FATTY LIVER 241 



such as poisoning by phosphorus, arsenic, mercury, chloro- 

 form, etc. 



(d) Reduction in the size of the liver frequently occurs, to 

 which the term atrophy is applicable, in inanition, cachexia, 

 etc. In this case the liver participates in the general 

 atrophic process. 



Pathology. The liver is smaller than normal, dark in color, 

 dense, of increased specific gravity, and dry. These changes 

 are the result of the increase in the connective tissue and the 

 decrease in the parenchyma. On cut section the surface is 

 dry, and the liver substance very dense and firm. 



Symptoms. The symptoms are not very characteristic. 

 There will be noticed inanition, cachexia, etc. The patient 

 shows digestive disturbances, and the feces are light colored. 

 The liver is very small ; owing to its location it is difficult to 

 palpate. 



Diagnosis. An accurate diagnosis is in most cases impos- 

 sible during the life of the animal. The etiological factors 

 may assist somewhat in making a diagnosis. 



Prognosis. The prognosis should always be considered 

 unfavorable, owing to the structural change which has taken 

 place in the liver, and the difficulty of removing the causative 

 factors. 



Treatment. Satisfactory treatment is hardly possible, 

 although treatment for the removal of the cause would be 

 indicated. 



FATTY LIVER. 



Definition. A term applied to the excessive amount of fat' 

 in the liver. It includes fatty infiltration, in which there is 

 an excessive deposit of fat without the liver cells becoming 

 much altered, and also fatty degeneration, in which the liver 

 cells are converted into fat cells. 



Etiology. The causes are: (a) Feeding of animal for a 

 long period on fats and carbohydrates, without the proper 

 amount of exercise. This tends to produce obesity (which 

 is common in house dogs), of which fatty liver is a common 

 symptom. The fatty deposit is probably due to the incom- 

 plete oxidation of the excessive amounts of food. (6) Anemia, 

 16 



