Nephritis, or inflammation of the kidney, is an occasional, and at all times a most dangerous disease in dogs. It may be caused by the presence of a stone; by various injuries, such as blows, sprains, etc., on the lumbar region; it may follow chronic disease of the bladder, and the administration, in improper doses, of cantharides and turpentine. Blisters consisting of cantharides are still largely used in canine practice; they are really unnecessary in the cure of any disease, and are undoubtedly painful to the dog. They are also dangerous; for, unless the blistered part be bandaged up or otherwise protected, the dog is sure to use his tongue and swallow some of the blister, and nephritis may be the consequence. If turpentine be preferred to other drugs which are equally efficient in the destruction and expulsion of worms, it should be administered in doses proportionate to the dog's size, because, in excessive doses, it sets up great irritation of the mucous membrane of the urinary-organs, as well as of the intestinal canal.

Symptoms

Nephritis gives rise to more or less severe pain in the back, as indicated by the peculiar movements of the dog, and by the pain being increased by exercise and pressure. There is febrile disturbance, varying in degree with the extent, and violence, and cause of the local inflammation. The urine is scanty, and passed frequently in small quantities, and it may be more or less mixed with blood.

As the probable result of previous acute or chronic inflammation, the kidneys, one or both of them, have been found, after death, larger or smaller than usual. Complete atrophy of one kidney is not very unusual.

Treatment

The best remedies are the following: -

Aconitum * should be given when the dog is in a febrile condition, and when the urine is scanty or bloody, and discharged frequently.

Cantharis is indicated more especially when the discharge of blood is somewhat considerable, and accompanied by pain in the back, and difficulty in urinating. In some cases it may be necessary to give these two medicines in alternation.

* For the dose, etc., of these medicines, see the "Introductory Remarks."

Arnica is a valuable remedy when the disease has been caused by blows or sprains of the back.

There are other medicines which are efficacious in this disease, but these three are sufficient in the great majority of cases.

Food, Etc

Rice and barley-water are beneficial, especially if the disease be due to the irritant action of turpentine or cantharides.