The Manchester journal. [volume] (Manchester, Vt.) 1861-current, 1914-11-19
AzOTTRIA. A CoLD-wEATHER
DISEASE OF HORSES

With the approach Of cold weather
horse owners should guard against
azoturia, which occurs almost invariab-
ly in well-conditioncd animals and
claims many victims, especially during
the winter season.
Various local names have been given
To this disease, among which may be
mentioned "lumbago,' Spinal menin-
gifts" and ''black water" The two
former terms have been applied owing
to the hard and swollen condition 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 descrip-
tive Of the urine, which is usually of
dark coffee color.
While azoturia may occur at any
season Of the year il is but seldom OBJ
served during the warm weather Of
summer. 1t usually appears in highly
fed, 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 rule the animal is attacked
suddenly soon after leaving the stable
In apparently perfect condition. The
attack may occur after 5 or 10 min
utes' driving or in some cases, several
hours after the horse has left the sta
bic.
Among the first symptoms are
staggering Of the hind parts, knuckl-
ing at the pasterns, and profuse per-
spiration. In spite of such spasms in
muscles Of the hind parts the horse
attempts to go on until he soon falls
helpless. Usually there are efforts to
rise, but as 4 rule the animal is I'M
able TO stand even should he regain
his feet, and 1t becomes necessary to
remove him to the stable on a wagon,
sled, or drag.
Horses attacked with azoturia should
be Immediately freed from the wagon
and harness and be provided with
ample straw or other bedding to pro-
tect them from injury incidental to
the struggle to regain their feet. Es-
pecial care must be taken to prevent
beating Of the head upon the ground,
and if the patient is very restless
strong man should place his knees up
on the animals neck and hold the head
firmly upon the ground. Throw a
warm blanket over the PROSTATE horse
and arrange Immediately for his re-
moval to the stable, where a commo-
dious and well-bedded box stall should
be provided, or, il such is not availa-
Bile, the barn floor or comfortable
shed can be utilized.
In the meantime qualified veterin-
arian should be summoned, azoturia
being disease which requires skillful
treatment and careful nursing. Until
the horse is able to stand it will be
necessary to pass catheter and draw
the urine at least twice a day, and
also, as an item of nursing, to turn
the animal from side to side at fire.
quent intervals, in order 20 avoid de-
velopment Of bed sores. Both treat
ment and nursing are best carried out
under direction of a skilled yeterin-
arian who is equipped with required
and can apply treatment
N each Individual case.
Various theories have been advsnc-
d in explanation Of the true cause and
nature Of azoturia- A majority If in
however, are inclined to
he belief that it is an autointoxica-
ion. The fact that development Of
he disease is favored by rich feeding
Ind period Of idleness tends to lend
weight to such hypothesis. For prac-
ical purposes, however, it is sufficient
or the owner of good horses to know
hat the disease may be prevented
With the greatest certainty by reduc-
ng the ration Of grain when the
lorses are not working and by exer-
Using his horses daily.