This disorder is somewhat rare in the horse. Few cases have occurred; even those were not strongly marked. Besides the general indications present during nephritis, such as quickened breathing, accelerated pulse, straddling gait, etc. etc., the most prominent sign concerns the emission of the urine. The bladder is irritable at the commencement; the kidneys have not secreted half a pint of fluid before it is violently expelled, and much straining, accompanied by sounds expressive of pain, follows the act. As the disease progresses, the bladder is contracted, and the water issues drop by drop, or as a constant dribble. This particularity marks the disease, which is also distinguished from nephritis by the roached back being absent; the spine rather being hollowed more than is usual in =cystitis=. [Illustration: A DANGEROUS TEST FOR INFLAMMATION OF THE BLADDER.] Most lecturers direct the student to insert the arm up a horse affected with cystitis and to feel the compressed bladder; this is easily accomplished, as the engraving demonstrates; but is the operation perfectly safe? White muscular tissue, when inflamed, becomes acutely sensitive. The bladder possesses a thick coat of that substance, and the hand, grasping an organ of this formation when in a state of disease, would probably torture the sufferer to frenzy. It is not wise to excite a creature commanding so huge a strength. There is, however, a test which yields as certain a response, and, at the same time, is far less hazardous. This consists in placing the hand under the flank and keeping it there till all the action which could be attributable to skittishness has disappeared; then press the abdomen, which, should it be hard and resistant, is a convincing proof cystitis is not present; for contraction of the recti abdominis muscles would force the contents of the cavity into violent contact with the inflamed bladder. Should any doubt be entertained concerning the condition of the muscle named, a little more pressure will soon ascertain the fact. However, let the person who applies the test be prepared for the consequence, as the application of pressure to a diseased organ provokes a sudden and energetic resistance, intended to strike the tormentor backward.