CONGESTION OF THE SPLEEN. 435 



any colder climate, there is observed in nearly every case a 

 very great change for the better. 



SPLENITIS. 



Splenitis, or inflammation of the spleer, is not very 

 common, yet is occasionally met with affecting the horse, 

 and is very likely to terminate fatally. 



Symptoms. — The symptoms are often very similar to those 

 of colic, but not so alarming in appearance, or so well 

 marked as the symj^toms of colic. There is a quick pulse, 

 which, as a rule, is weak also. The animal at first shows 

 more or less dulness, the ears droop, and the head hangs 

 down — symptoms characteristic of debility and approaching 

 dissolution. The respirations become increased, and the 

 belly is tucked up. The condition is most frequently met 

 with during the summer season. 



Treatment. — Opiates should be given to relieve pain ; 

 counter-irritants should be applied over the region of the 

 spleen, and a considerable surface invested. Any other 

 symptoms should be combated as they arise, and according 

 to their indications, and occasionally a cure may be effected. 

 The spleen suffers far more frequently from chronic diseases 

 than from acute diseases ; it is liable to hypertrophy, as are 

 all of the ductless glands. Rupture of the spleen may also 

 occur, and causes death very quickly. 



HYPERTROPHY OF THE SPLEEN. 



The spleen may become enormously enlarged — in some 

 cases attaining a weight of seventy or eighty pounds. 

 Hypertrophy usually occurs as a result of some previous 

 disease of the gland, particularly as a result of malarial 

 diseases, and is most commonly met with in the Southern 

 States of America, and in malarial or low-lying swampy 

 districts. 



28—2 



