Nephritis or inflammation of the kidney is a disease rarely met with in dogs. Its infrequency is relatively the same as the occurrence of acute inflammations in other glandular organs.

Causation

It is possible that nephritis may arise from the excessive dosing of certain drugs acting directly and powerfully on the kidneys, such as saltpetre, cantharides, and turpentine; the second used in blisters, the last in the treatment of worms.

Injuries such as kicks or blows over the region of the kidneys, may induce the disease. Probably the more common cause is exposure to cold, or more especially the sudden cooling of an overheated body; shutting the dog into a cold kennel after a hard run, or allowing him to plunge into the water causes a violent contraction of the blood vessels of the surface driving the blood to the internal organs, producing in them increased pressure and possibly congestion.

The use of certain ointments for mange, under some conditions may act upon the skin in a manner somewhat similar to cold, and thereby induce the affection.

The formation of stone in the kidney, or renal calculus, might create a disturbance and nephritis result.

Symptoms

According to the severity of the disease the symptoms will vary greatly. Fever may be present in a noticeable degree in the com-mencement of the attack, and it may be absent.

When the skin is hot and the pulse runs high, vomiting, complete loss of appetite, and great depression are observed, indicating that the attack is an alarming one. When the disease is the result of exposure, the febrile symptoms are more commonly observed. One of the most notable changes is in the quantity of urine secreted, it becoming very scanty, high colored, and in the severer cases bloody.

The bowels are usually constipated. The animal moves about slowly and awkwardly; in getting up and lying down he appears stiff in the loins. Pressure over the region of the kidneys will cause the animal to shrink from the touch.

Attacks running a fatal course usually terminate in convulsions and profound stupor, due to the retained poisonous constituents of the urine.

Prognosis

The causes largely influence the results in nephritis. In simple uncomplicated attacks the chances are in favor of recovery. When a calculus exists in the kidney, or has attempted a transit from it into the bladder, and becoming lodged in the passage obstructs it, thereby destroying the active function of that important organ, the case is critical. The same or greater danger exists if nephritis results from an abscess in the kidney. When convulsions occur the chances of recovery are very slight.

Treatment

While the kidneys are unable to perform their functions other organs must be stimulated to increased activity; the bowels must be largely depended upon. Unless grave symptoms such as convulsions or profound stupor exist, active purgatives are never admissible. It will be noted when they are employed that the action of the kidneys is always lessened by their use. It is necessary therefore to so judiciously apply treatment, that while one function is stimulated the other suffers no impairment. By administering cathartics in divided doses this end is secured. The following powders should be given. -

℞ Jalapin gr.x.

Sodae Bicarb. gr.xx Ft. Chart. No. xx. Sig. Dose one every two hours or until diarrhoea results.

To keep the skin active and secure its aid in elimination, the animal should be kept in a warm room and uniform temperature be maintained. Hot applications over the loins by means of the "hop bag" will be found grateful to the animal. Milk is the better diet and may be given freely, bb it has an especial action on the kidneys. Beef tea, gruels, mutton broth, and scraped beef may also be given to nourish and sustain. During convalescence the tincture of the chloride of iron in fifteen drop doses la indicated.