86 DISEASES OF THE SOLID ORGANS OF THE ABDOMEN. 



Chronic Hepatitis. 



It is stated by some that chronic hepatitis may he a sequel of acute 

 inflammation of the liver. This seems probable, and yet from the peculiar 

 nature of the disorder, in but few cases can the point of departure from 

 the normal to the morbid changes be traced with sufficient accuracy to 

 assign a cause beyond a reasonable doubt. 



Symptoms . —The disease as a rule gives rise to few or no symptoms 

 which point to the liver as the seat of disease, prior to the occurrence of 

 abdominal enlargement. Preceding this manifestation the appetite is 

 usually lessened, the manner of the animal often dull and heavy, and 

 emaciation is progressive. As loss of weight persists the abdomen be- 

 comes distended, rendering the general appearance highly characteristic 

 of the disease. 



In the majority of cases the tongue becomes white, and the mucous 

 membrane of the mouth and lips loses its healthy color, becoming pale 

 and yellowish. Jaundice in a certain degree occurs in some cases, it is 

 however rarely very marked. 



The breath is usually offensive; the eyes are dull and heavy. Vomiting 

 is quite frequent, the matter ejected often greenish. The urine is scanty 

 and high colored, and the bowels constipated. As emaciation progresses 

 the skin becomes thickened, rough, and scaly; the hair dry and brashy. 

 Until the abdominal distension is sufficient to mechanically interfere with 

 respiration, the breathing is unchanged. The pulse varies but little until 

 late in the disease. 



In certain cases instead of enlargement of the liver it may be reduced in 

 size; the distension which then occurs is due to abdominal dropsy. 



Diagnosis . — It ought not be difficult to make a correct diagnosis after 

 important changes commence in the liver. If that organ is enlarged its 

 outlines may be traced by firm pressure with the hand, and the shape of 

 the abdomen is characteristic. When the animal is on his feet the en- 

 largement is carried higher, and there is not that pendulous or hanging 

 down appearance noted in dropsy, the disease with which chronic hepatitis 

 may be confounded. In the former affection the shape of the abdomen 

 would not be retained when the animal lies down, while in the latter it 

 would remain much the same. 



In dropsy occurring independent of liver affections, the abdomen is 

 rarely alone involved ; other parts are soon affected by the disease. When 

 jaundice appears, other symptoms being present, the diagnosis if previ- 

 ously doubtful ought to be made with reasonable certainty. 



prognosis. — The disease if extended is incurable. Something may be 

 done in some cases to improve the animal and arrest the progress of the 



