CHAPTER VI.—PART IV.
DISEASES OF THE URINARY AND GENERATIVE SYSTEMS
Nephritis
DEFINITION.—Inflammation of the kidneys sometimes ending in an alteration of the secretions. It is not a very common disease, but when it occurs it is very dangerous.
CAUSES.—Exposure to cold and wet; seasoned food; over-exertion; strains; injuries; the presence of calculus; the administration of cantharides and turpentine in excessive doses, or as a result of infectious diseases.
SYMPTOMS.—Tenderness of the loins; stiffness of the hind legs, which are carried wide apart when moving; hot and dry mouth and nose; great thirst; frequent turning of the head toward the flanks; the urine is passed in small quantities, with straining, highly-colored, like blood, or thick and glairy; bound bowels; feces hard and dry; sometimes vomiting; the appetite is lost; there is disinclination to move, and when the dog is obliged to stir the back is arched.
TREATMENT.—Give H.H., from one to three drops, according to the size of the dog, once in three hours at first, and then at longer intervals as the animal improves. A.A. may be sometimes called for as an intercurrent remedy, or to give between doses of the H.H.
ACCESSORY MEANS.—Cloths wrung out of hot water and laid across the loins will be beneficial; nothing but milk must be given for several days.
Inflammation of the Bladder, Cystitis
This disease, which is a very dangerous and painful one, may be caused by stones in the bladder, injuries, fall upon the bladder when it is full of water, or similar accidents. As a result of infectious diseases, or diseases of the kidneys, also too long retention of urine in the bladder (dogs kept in the house too long).
SYMPTOMS.—Hot, dry skin; pain in the back and flanks; thirst; no appetite; restlessness and signs of pain; frequent attempts to pass water, in which either one or only a few drops are passed at a time; the water may be clear, or thick and mixed with blood.
TREATMENT.—Give first two or three doses of the A.A., at intervals of two hours, then give the H.H., a dose of three or five drops, according to the size of the dog, at intervals of two to three hours, until entirely relieved.
ACCESSORY MEANS.—Liquid diet should be given such as milk or broth.
Gonorrhea, Gleet
This disease, which is essentially an inflammation of the urethra, generally arises from taking the disease by connection with other animals that have it, or from repeated acts of sexual connection, which induces irritation, followed by a gleety, discharge; or it may arise in a modified form from uncleanliness.
SYMPTOMS.—Discharge from the internal surface of the sheath and urethra, or canal through which the water flows, consisting of matter having a yellowish or greenish color, glueing together the parts or hair about them; the surface looks red and angry, and is attended with swelling and pain; there is frequent desire to pass water; sometimes the swelling and pain are but slight.
TREATMENT.—Give the H.H., a dose of three or five drops, according to the size of the dog, four times per day.
In old cases, a dose of the J.K., given nightly, will be of decided benefit.
Inversion of the Womb
This sometimes occurs after parturition, either from disease of the womb, or from straining to void the placenta. The treatment consists in carefully washing the womb with tepid water, and then with the fingers (oiled) returning it to its proper position. The womb in these cases is turned inside out, so that what is the inside when in its proper position becomes the outside when it protrudes from the vagina. Therefore, to replace it, the pressure must be from the part furthest from the vagina, and made with careful, gentle pressure. The replacement is easily affected, especially if an assistant holds the bitch up by the hind legs. After the organ is replaced, a little HUMPHREYS’ VETERINARY OIL may be applied or poured into the vagina, and a dose or two of A.A. given. Afterwards, if there are symptoms of straining, the bitch must be made to stand or walk about, and G.G., must be given.
Inflammation of the Teats
This generally comes on a few days after the bitch has pupped. At first there will be found small lumps at the base of the teats, which are very tender; the swelling soon increases, and extends all around the teats; they then become very hot, and of a deep red color. The sucking of the pups causes so much pain that the bitch refuses to allow it. When this is the case, the inflammation soon extends over the whole udder, and if it be not arrested, suppuration takes place, and an abscess forms at the base of one or more of the teats.
TREATMENT.—Give A.A., a dose of one to three drops, once in say three hours at first, then once in six hours, and bathe the teats in HUMPHREYS’ MARVEL WITCH HAZEL or if cracked or very sore, apply HUMPHREYS’ VETERINARY OIL, morning and night.