540 Xooplasms of the Liver. 



er. They are either wliito or pale red in color. In many cases 

 they can be enncleated. The snperficially placed growths may 

 shoV a slight central depression (Krebsdelle). The cut sur- 

 face shows a snlphnr- or hntter-yellow network. The consis- 

 tency varies from that of marrow to that of fibrous tissue. 

 Lesions in the livers of cattle are frequently soft, and contain 

 a semi-fluid pulplike material, and in color they scarcely differ 

 from the normal liver tissue (Kitt). The portal lymphatic 

 glands are almost always affected. In cases of prinuiry hepatic 

 cancer, there is usually only a single large tumor, l)ut metastatic 

 lesions are almost always numerous. The weight of the organ 

 is increased according to the number and size of the lesions. 

 Chauvrat records a horse's liver weighing 21.6 kilos; van 

 Tricht, the liver of a cow weighing 22 kilos, and Wilhelmi, one 

 weighing 51 kilos. 



Cases of cancer of the gall bladder have been observed (Gurlt, Bniekniiiller, 

 Kitt, Johne). The gall bladder is enlarged and nodidar, the wall is thick and 

 finii and the inner surface shows either pedunculated or sessile growths which at 

 places are ulcerated. 



Symptoms. S>anptonis are first observed when the disease 

 has made some progress. There is gradual wasting and ane- 

 mia, the appetite is diminished, and in some cases there is 

 vomiting. In the dog there is striking atrophy of the muscular 

 system, the muscles of mastication being chiefly affected. This 

 gives the animal a peculiar facial expression (''Krebsgesicht," 

 ''Facies cancereux" [Trasbot]). 



In ruminants and dogs an enlargement of the area of hep- 

 atic dulness can sometimes be demonstrated, or in small ani- 

 mals the enlarged liver may l)e felt below the costal arch. If 

 small nodules can l)e discovered, the suspicion is at once aroused 

 that the case may be one of cancer of the liver, especially 

 if other lesions (such as carcinoma of the mammary gland) 

 suggest that possibility. It must always l)e borne in mind that 

 tuberculous lesions in the liver may cause a similar clinical 

 condition and that the tuberculin test may be negative. 



Nodules or growths may also be felt just behind the sternum in cases of 

 enlarged portal or mesenteric lymphatic glands, tiunors in the pyloric region, 

 pancreas, or mesentery. Finally greatly distended gall bladders and bile ducts 

 must be kept in mind. 



In some cases there is jaundice, and in others ascites and 

 swelling of the spleen. 



Course. Several months may elapse after the appearance 

 of the first symptoms, but finally the gradually increasing 

 cachexia leads to complete exhaustion. 



Treatment. Spontaneous recovery never occurs and inter- 

 nal treatment is useless. No very satisfactory results are to 



