232 DISEASES OF THE LIVER 



Symptoms. -Due to the fact that excretion is interfered 

 with, which leads to a general intoxication of the body, 

 general symptoms of stupidity, depression, loss of appetite, 

 etc., appear. Nausea and vomiting are often observed. 

 Constipation is the rule. The feces are clay colored and have 

 a fetid odor. Jaundice, which is nearly always present, is 

 first noticed in the conjunctiva; the urine is stained yellow 

 with bile pigment. The liver is usually enlarged and by 

 palpation it may be distinguished through the abdominal 

 walls; also is often quite painful to the animal when com- 

 pressed by digital pressure. 



The urine is highly colored (often green), of high specific 

 gravity, and shows precipitates of urates and uric acid. The 

 body temperature is either normal or subnormal. 



Diagnosis. An accurate diagnosis presents some difficul- 

 ties. The causes (history), the disturbance of the digestive 

 tract, the jaundice, and the enlarged and painful liver, should 

 be considered in arriving at a definite conclusion. In atypical 

 cases an accurate diagnosis is impossible, although enough 

 symptoms may develop to suspect the acute congestion. 



Prognosis. The prognosis is usually favorable, except in 

 those cases produced by poisons and infections. In these 

 the prognosis will depend largely upon the character of the 

 infection or the nature and amount of the poison. 



Course. In most cases the course is short, rarely lasting 

 over two to four days. 



Treatment. Dietetic. All irritating food should be with- 

 held. The diet should consist almost entirely of milk given 

 only in small quantities with long intervals between meals. 

 Lime water added to the milk, to make it alkaline, will have a 

 beneficial action on the mucosa of the stomach and intestines. 



Medical. Free purgation is indicated early. Magnesium 

 sulphate (dog, 10.0-15.0; cat, 1.0-5.0) has proved to be the 

 most satisfactory. These doses .should be repeated until free 

 catharsis has been established. Calomel may also be used, 

 but is not as good as magnesium sulphate, as its action is 

 more cholagogic which would be contraindicated where con- 

 gestion of the liver exists. When nausea and vomiting are 

 present, indicating an irritated condition of the stomach and 



