CHRONIC HEPATITIS. 87 



affection, but the result of efforts must generally prove unsatisfactory. 



Treatment. —No specific treatment can be suggested. Remedies should 

 be addressed to the general system rather than the local affection. Tonics 

 and nutritious food are indicated to combat depressing influences, and 

 symptoms of prominence demand individual treatment. 



If the animal is debilitated, ferruginous tonics promise the better results; 

 the tincture of the chloride, or the syrup of the iodide of iron may be given 

 three times a day in fifteen drop doses. 



Mercury is an agent which theory would suggest in chronic disorders of 

 the liver. In this disease it should be given a fair trial, and the effects 

 carefully watched. To obviate any depressing influence it may exert, iron 

 may be combined and given as follows.— 



R Mass. Hydrarg. gr.x 



Ferri Sulph. Exsic. gr.xxx 

 Ft. Pil. No. xxx. Sig. Dose one three times daily. 

 During the use of the pills all other medicine should be discontinued and 

 the mercurial be given a fair trial. If the results are negative the treat- 

 ment should not be prolonged. 



WTien constipation exists a laxative rather than a cathartic should be 

 given, but only when needed. Podophyllin is a remedy advised by some; 

 it is inferred that their reasons of its use is some theory they entertain 

 that it has a specific action on the liver. There do not appear sufficient 

 grounds to affirm that the drug has any such special powers. 



For the purpose of overcoming constipation the following pills are 

 advised.— 



R Extract. Aloes 3ss 



Ext. Colchici Acet. gr.x 



Pulv. Ipecac. gr.x 



Ext. Taraxaci. 3i 



Ft. Pil. No. xx. Sig. Dose one at night. 



