DISEASES OF THE LIVER 309 



Symptoms. — It is only when the disease is far advanced that any 

 tell-tale signs appear. In this stage the belly gives evidence of undue 

 distension after feeding, and a good deal of gas is discharged per anum 

 as the result of impaired digestion. As structural alterations proceed, 

 the appetite is liable to fail, and the animal passes through short periods 

 of dulness and becomes prematurely fatigued by work. The faeces are at 

 times offensive and soft, and on these occasions frecpaently pale in colour. 



Treatment. — Where idleness is concerned this may often be summed 

 up in one word — work, which should not be violent and unmeasured, but 

 a gradual change from idleness to activity, from the pernicious use of cattle 

 spices and condiments and artificial stimulation of appetite for rich foods 

 to a simple diet, in amount and quality only sufficient for the muscular 

 exertion required. The frequent em- 

 ployment of purgatives is not to be 

 recommended, but unless the food is 

 judiciously regulated an occasional 

 aperient is most desirable. Epsom- 

 salts, given in 4-ounce doses for two 

 successive days, is perhaps the best 

 agent to employ. Salt with the food 

 should be attended with good results. Fi e- ni - 



In Speaking of Other affections of the A ' Healthy liver celk B, Liver cells containing fat 



1 o _ globules, the result of disease. 



liver we have advocated grass, and it 



may again be recommended here, but a short rather than a deep pasture, 

 where the patient will require to take exercise in obtaining it, is most 

 desirable. By this means the tendency to store up fat in the internal 

 organs is overcome. 



Pathology. — The accumulation of oil-globules in the cells of the liver 

 has the effect of interfering with their functional activity. The size of the 

 liver is not necessarily increased, though such is generally the case, and 

 may be to an enormous extent. Instead of the natural chocolate colour 

 of the healthy gland it is of a light fawn hue. The edges become round 

 and the organ generally is soft, and if cut into, the tissue imparts a greasy 

 feeling to the finger when touched. 



RUPTURE OF THE LIVER 



Definition. — This condition may involve the gland structure alone, 

 or it may also extend through the fibrous capsule enclosing it. 



It is usually attended with more or less internal bleeding. More when 

 the capsule is torn than when it remains intact. 



