THE LIVER. 395 



for acute nephritis, followed l>y ammonia liniment or an application of 

 mustard. The diet should consist of grass, carrots, bran mashes, etc. 



As soon as the more acute symptoms are abated iodide of potassium 

 may be given in one drachm doses daily, combined with gentian and 

 ginger. The effect of this medicine is to diminish the action of the liver. 

 During the acute attack calomel should not be administered, because it is 

 an excitant to the glandular structures. In the after, or chronic stage, it 

 is highly useful, and tends again to excite the organ to proper secretion. 



814. Organic diseases of the Liver. 



Organic disease of the Liver rarely occurs as a primary affection. It 

 is usually a sequel of other diseases, especially of any diseases which pre- 

 vent the free circulation of the blood through it. 



A state of hyperaemial congestion, or undue accumulation of blood in 

 the capillary vessels, is the usual commencement of almost all structural 

 disease. This congestion may arise from any affection which interferes 

 with the passage of the blood into the pulmonary artery, such, for in- 

 stance, as inflammation of the lungs and pleura, influenza, peritonitis, any 

 violent visceral inflammation, valvular disease of the heart, or disease of 

 the pericardium. Enlargement of the liver to a great size, and softening 

 of its structure, often follows low typhoid affections. It is also common 

 in old cart horses. 



On the other hand, atrophy sometimes occurs, and the organ dwindles 

 down to half its proper size. 



In some cases the Liver takes on a scirrhous or indurated state, and 

 ceases in a great measure to perform its functions. 



Ordinary congestion of the liver, especially when it has become chronic, 

 sometimes leads to enlargement and softening of the organ, known as 

 hypertrophy of the Liver. It is most often seen in very fat horses, such 

 for instance as brewers' and millers', or in pampered animals, such as 

 gentlemen's carriage horses, which have not sufficient exercise. The liver 

 slowly and gradually augments in size, sometimes with no sign of ill 

 health about the animal, until it suddenly bursts its capsule, and death 

 soon follows. 



The liver may also become the seat of tubercular and cancerous deposit. 

 The bile ducts may likewise be obstructed by calculi, when the same 

 symptoms are evinced as in congestion and inflammation. 



The existence of any such organic change, though its exact nature may 

 not be discoverable during life, is indicated-* but often only very obscurely 

 by the same symptoms as those previously described under the head of 

 temporary functional derangements. 



Accidents, such as a heavy fall on one side, may occasion rupture of 

 the organ, when death will rapidly ensue. 



815. Treatment. 



In the early stages of organic disease of the Liver, there is often great 

 difficulty in diagnosing it. There is frequently only a passive state of 



