American Fork citizen. [volume] (American Fork, Utah) 1912-1979, 1914-11-28
Horse Owners Should
Guard Against Azoturia
Utah Agricultural Col jege Weekly
News Letter.

Win tne HppTOacn OF COiu weather
horse owners should guard against
azoturia which occurs almost nvari-
ably in well-conditioned animals and
clnins many victims. especially dur
ing he winter season.
Various local names have been Civ
en- 10 this disease, among which may
be mentioned "lumbago," Spinal
meningitis and black water" The
two former terms have been applied
owing to the hard and swollen con
dition Of the muscles of the loins
and Group and the loss of control Of
the hind parts commonly observed In
these cases. and the latter name Is
descriptive of the urine. which is us
nally OF a dark coffee color.
While azoturia may occur AT any
season Of the year II is but seldom
observed during the warm weather OF
summer. II usually appears in high
ly feed, well-nourished animals which,
though accustomed TO regular work,
have remained idle for one or more
days without corresponding reduc-
ton in the ratIons
As a rule the animal is attacked
suddenly soon after leaving the sta
BILE In apparently perfect condition
The attack may occur after FIVE or
ten minutes driving or, In some cases.
several hours after the horse has left
the stable.
Among the first symptoms are
staggering In the hind parts, knuckl-
ing at the pastern. and profuse per-
SEPARATION. In spite OF such spasms
In muscles Of the hind parts the horse
attempts to go on until he falls help
lessly. Usually there are efforts to |
rise, but as rule the animal Is un-
able to stands even should he regain |
his feet. and II becomes necessary to
remove him on a wagon, sled or drag.
The animal husbandry department
of the Utah Agricultural College rec
ommends the following treatment for
this disease; Horses attacked with
axoturia should be Immediately freed
from the wagon and harness and be
provided with ample straw or other
bedding to protect them from injury
incidental to the struggle to regain
their feet. Especial care must be
taken to prevent beating of the head
upon the ground. II the patient is very
restless strong man should place
his knees upon the animals neck and
hold the head firmly to the ground.
Throw warm blanket over the pros
trate horse and arrange Immediately
FOR his removal to a stable, where a
commodious and well-bedded box
stall should be provided, or, II such
is not available, the barn floor or n
comfortable shed can be utilized.
In the mean time n qualified veter-
marian should be summoned, azoturia
being Q disease which resuires skill
full treatment and careful nursing.
Unity the horse Is able to stand il
wiz be necessary to pass a catheter
ayd draw the urine at least twice a
Jay. and also, as an item of nursing,
= to turn the animal from side to side
at frequent intervals. In order to
avoid development of bed sores. Both
treatment and nursing are best car
ried out under the direction OF a
skilled veterinarian who Is equipped
with instruments and can apply treat
ment as indicated In each individual
case.
Various theories have been adyanc-
ed In explanation of the true cause
and nature of azoturia. A majority
OF investigators, however, arc incln-
ed to the belief that It is an autoin-
toxication, The fact that development
OF the disease is favored by rich feed
ing and a period of idleness tends to
lend weight to such hypothesis For
practical purposes. however, It is suf-
ficient for the owner of good horses
to know that the disease may be pre-
vented with the greatest certainty by
reducing the rations of grain or al
falfa hay when the horses are not
working and by exercising his horses
daily.
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