51G CYCLOPEDIA OF LIVE STOCK AND COMPLETE STOCK DOCTOR. 



of bile is interfered with. Here we find one of the causes of con- 

 stipation and enteritis ; for the bile is the main agent in keeping the 

 bowels in order, including, also, the prevention of acidity and abnormal 

 waste of the tissues composing Ihem. 



No treatment can be prescribed. These cases usually die suddenly, 

 from rupture of the capsule and escape of blood into the abdominal 

 cavity. Prevention might be effected by not allowing old horses to get 

 too fat. 



IV. Cirrhosis, or Fibrous Degeneration. 



This is due, probably, to material changes in the blood, which becoming 

 poor in quality and scanty in quantity, gives rise to atrophy of the sys- 

 tem, pining, and death. On post-mortem examination, the live/ is found 

 to be light, and in color of a yellow cast, roughened on the surface, firm 

 to the touch, not so easily broken down as in a healthy condition ; it is 

 hard, fibrous and dry; and, when cut across, the lobules are replaced by 

 white fibrous tissue, exhibiting a mottled appearance, like the interior of 

 a nutmeg. No specific treatment is possible. 



V. Jaundice, Icterus, or Yellows. 



This is only a symptom of derangement of the liver, though commonly 

 spoken of as a separate disease. It indicates an obstruction of the gall 

 duct that conveys the bile into the intestines, the consequence of which 

 is, that the bile is thrown back into the system, and hence the yellow 

 appearance so characteristic of all liver disorders. 



If it is not complicated with any other disease, give a purgative. No. 

 23, and follow it with No. 37. If, however, it exists as a complication, 

 treat the other disease rather than this condition. 



VI. Biliary Calculi, or Gall-stones. 



Thougn gall-stones are rarely found, incrustations on the walls of the 

 ducts are quite common. They do little or no harm, unless they accu- 

 mulate to such an extent as to obstruct the duet, in which case there will 

 be colicky pains, frequent looking around to the right side, aud a yellow, 

 bilious appearance generally. 



Give No. 55. 



vn. Hypertrophy of the Liver. 



This, which is the name given an abnormal growth of the organ, U 

 usually associated with a plethoric condition, resulting from idleness and 

 high feeding. 



Reduce the flesh, by giving No. 23, and restricting the diet. 



