304 HEALTH AND DISEASE 



to be avoided, and aloes should only lie given in cases where obstinate 

 constipation exists. Mustard, or some more active counter-irritant, to the 

 right side and over the region of the liver is recommended, and especially 

 in those cases where tenderness in that part is evinced upon moderate 

 pressure. Warm clothing and bandaging, by keeping the surface warm 

 and the skin functionally active, should not be omitted, and gentle walk- 

 ing exercise for a few minutes daily even in bad cases is desirable. The 

 diet should consist as much as possible of green fodder, bran mashes, and 

 carrots, if obtainable, and so long as the disease continues food should be 

 very sparingly given. In the convalescent stages benefit may be derived 

 from the administration of nux vomica and the mineral acids, with in- 

 creased exercise and a slightly more liberal diet. The fseces assuming a 

 natural colour and consistence, and the animal's spirits returning, may be 

 regarded as proofs of ultimate complete recovery. 



JAUNDICE, ICTERUS, THE YELLOWS 



This disease is so termed from the yellow discoloration imparted to 

 the tissues of the body by bile, which, in consequence of some functional 

 or structural disorder of the liver, has been allowed to accumulate in the 

 blood. 



Causes. — It may originate in the growth of tumours or other organic 

 disease affecting the liver, or, as has been observed, it may follow upon 

 some temporary functional disturbance. It should, however, be noticed 

 that jaundice may be absent in animals whose livers have suffered consider- 

 able structural disease, or the tissues may be deeply stained in one whose 

 liver, examined after death, shows no obvious change. In the latter in- 

 stances it may be regarded as arising out of some functional impairment 

 of the gland. 



Symptoms. — In addition to the yellow tint imparted to the visible 

 mucous membranes, there is also more or less discoloration of the urine. 

 The faeces are pale and clay-coloured, and coated with mucus, or they 

 are periodically thin and watery and foul-smelling. In some patients 

 the urine may be stained before any decided symptoms of ill -health 

 are manifested. There soon appears, however, dulness, with lowering 

 head and indisposition to feed. The mouth is dry, clammy, and emits 

 an offensive odour, the skin is harsh, dry, and dirty, and the coat 

 "stares". The pulse remains unchanged, or may be slower than normal, 

 and there is a general want of nervous energy and no disposition for 

 work. 



Treatment will depend upon the causes out of which the disorder 



