As diaphoretics, ipecacuanha, Dover’s powder, tartar emetic, and even pilocarpin may be used. The last named agent is especially useful when dropsy sets in, or uræmic stupor or coma threatens (horse 3 grs., ox 7 grs., dog ½ to ⅓ gr. according to size). If the heart shows weakness it must be sustained by digitalis, strophanthus, caffein or nitro-glycerine, and the pilocarpin withheld.
In a sufficiently strong subject the stupor or coma may be met by the abstraction of blood, which benefits by the dilution of that which is left.
Eclampsia may be further met by the inhalation of ether or chloroform, or the rectal injection of chloral or bromide solution.
As the inflammation abates, if the action of the kidney is still insufficient in spite of the free drinking of pure water, alkaline diuretics may be given in small doses (tartrate, acetate or citrate of potash, bicarbonate of soda, saltpeter).
In excessive dropsy avoid sloughing by lancing the most tensely swollen parts to allow drainage, and keep the parts disinfected with carbolic or other antiseptic lotion. For ascites or hydrothorax, aspirate, and apply a compressory bandage.
During convalescence a course of bitters (cinchona, salicin, gentian, nux vomica) and iron (phospho-tartar, iodide or phosphate) will often be called for. Anæmia may be met by doses of peroxide of hydrogen or the inhalation of oxygen.
In the advanced stages benefit may accrue from the use of small doses of cubebs, copiaba, oil of turpentine or buchu, which have a tonic action on the renal mucosa.
PURULENT NEPHRITIS.
Causes: general, traumatic, metastatic, infective, wounds, shocks, strains, blows, falls, crowding, heavy loads, calculi, infective embolism. Lesions: miliary or large abscesses, diffuse suppuration, softening, disintegration, fistula. Symptoms: obscure, nephritic symptoms following distant abscess, chill, hyperthermia, general symptoms of nephritis, pus in urine, anæmia, emaciation. Treatment: to external wound, antiseptics, evacuate abscess, extirpate kidney with pyonephrosis, in dog or pig, calcium sulphide, sulphites, copiaba.
Causes. Aside from the main causes of nephritis, the suppurative form may be determined by traumatic or metastatic infective conditions. Under traumatic factors may be named punctured or gunshot wounds, shocks and strains connected with falls, blows, crowding, compression, too heavy weights on the back (pack, rider, two wheeled cart loaded too heavily forward and going down hill), and finally calculi in the uriniferous tubules. Under metastatic factors come all infections, pyæmia, omphalitis, any suppurative affection of the lungs, (abscess, pneumonia, broncho-pneumonia), pharyngitis, etc. Embolic renal abscess may start from endocarditis, arteritis, or pulmonary phlebitis.