Diabetes, s. A morbid copiousness of urine.
Diabetes consists in an excessive discharge of urine, attended with great thirst, and sometimes with a gradual loss of flesh and great debility. The urine is sometimes limpid and transparent like water; at others high coloured, and of a very offensive smell. In slight or recent cases of diabetes a cure may generally be accomplished by the following ball, provided the cause is removed, which is generally new hay, new oats, musty hay or oats, or some other unwholesome provender. But in the confirmed diabetes, when the urine has become stinking and high coloured, the cure is more difficult. Rest, or voluntary exercise only, and a light nutritious diet, are necessary.
| BALL FOR DIABETES. | |||
| No. 1. | Opium | from ½ to 1 dr. | |
| Ginger | 2 dr. | ||
| Gentian-root powder | 3 or 4 dr. | ||
| Oil of caraways | 20 or 30 drops. | ||
| Syrup enough to form the ball. | |||
To be given morning and evening for two or three days, and should the disease then continue, give the following:—
| No. 2. | Sulphate of copper | 1 dr. | |
| Ginger | 1 dr. |
Linseed powder and syrup enough to form the ball.
To be given every morning and evening until the disease is cured.
Sulphate of copper has been found an excellent tonic in horses. I have also found the following a good tonic ball:—
| No. 3. | Sulphate of iron | 2 to 3 or 4 dr. | |
| Powdered ginger | 1 dr. | ||
| Powdered Gentian | 3 to 4 dr. | ||
| Treacle enough to form the ball. | |||
I have seen an increased discharge of urine brought on in draught horses by working them beyond their strength; this has been attended with great weakness, especially of the hind parts, and loss of appetite. I have found great benefit in such cases from turning the horse to grass, and letting him remain there for some time, giving him a little good hay, or some oats, when it appears necessary.—White.