Hypercrmia — Congestion of the Spleen. 547 



larged and its parenchyma contained many red nucleated haem- 

 matoblasts. The result of hemorrhage is therefore to stimulate 

 the organ to enlargement and to the resumption of its embryonic 

 function of producing red blood globules. Contraction of the 

 spleen further occurs under asphyxia, the deoxidized blood being 

 supposed to operate through the medulla oblongata. As already 

 noted the spleen shrinks under stimulation of the central end 

 of a sensor}' nerve (v-agus, .sciatic). An induced current of 

 electricity applied to the skin over the spleen cau.ses marked 

 contraction (Botkin). Cold, quinine, eucalyptus, ergot and 

 other agents also induce contraction. In the normal condition 

 there is an inverse ratio between the bulk of the spleen and the 

 liver, the enlargement of the one entailing a diminution of the 

 other, but in certain diseased states, such as anthrax, ague, etc., 

 both are liable to enlargement at the .same time. 



Symptoms of splenic anaemia are wanting, through a lack of 

 eosinophyle leucocytes, in the blood of a starved or otherwise 

 •debilitated animal, may lead to suspicion of the condition. 



The treatment of such a case would be addressed rather to the 

 general debility which induced the splenic contraction than to the 

 contraction itself. Light, sunshine, pure air, exercise, grooming, 

 nourishing food and the avoidance of all debilitatingmorbid condi- 

 tions would indicate the principles of theraj^eutic management. 



HYPER.^MIA— CONGESTION OF THE SPLEEN. 



Four hours after full meal in splenic diastole. In well fed, high condi- 

 tioned. From obstruction of splenic or portal vein or vena cava, heart, 

 liver, or pulmonary disease, inhibition from encephalon acting through 

 splanchnics or vagi, microbes, ptomaines, toxins, paresis, albuminoid diet. 

 Spleen may be seven times its normal weight. Lesions : simple blood en- 

 gorgement : proliferation of pulp cells : increased friabilit}' ; rupture ; dark 

 color ; hyperplasia of trabeculte — hypertrophy. Sj^mptoms : none ; or colic ; 

 palpation in ruminants ; tenderness. Treatment : directed against the 

 causative disease ; quinine, cinchonine, eucalyptus, ergot, cold douche, 

 electricit)', puncture. 



Considerable h^-persemia of this organ takes place physiologi- 



