250 MANUAL OF EQUINE MEDICINE. 



Gradually the fibroid structure contracts, and thus the 

 liver becomes smaller, and altered in form. The hepatic 

 cells undergo fatty degeneration, and the lobular vessels 

 and ducts are compressed and obliterated. In consequence 

 of this, the portal circulation is obstructed, and ascites and 

 congestion of the abdominal viscera result. 



Treatment. — In the first place, the diet should be care- 

 fully attended to. Internally, sulphate of sodium or of 

 magnesium may be given twice daily, with vegetable tonics. 



If there be ascites, diuretics may be administered in ad- 

 dition to salines and tonics. 



In some cases it may be necessary to perform para- 

 centesis abdominis. 



FATTY LIVER.— Fatty changes in the organs of the 

 body are due to infiltration of the tissue with fat, or to de- 

 generation or conversion of the albuminous substance into 

 fat. 



Fatty liver is strictly an infiltration, but the term is used 

 to include both these forms of change. 



In the horse, fatty changes in the liver are traceable to 

 overfeeding and want of sufficient exercise. 



The blood becomes loaded with fatty materials, which are 

 first deposited in the hepatic cells of the circumference of 

 the lobules, and then gradually extend inwards. 



The liver thus usually becomes enlarged, and increased 

 in weight, and its margin becomes rounder and its surface 

 smoother. It is of a soft or doughy consistence, and shows 

 a pale, greasy surface on section. 



In this aftection there is no ascites or jaundice, but the 

 functions of the liver are impaired if the fatty change is 

 considerable. 



The only treatment consists in regulation of the amount 

 of exercise and limitation of the diet, and in the occasional 

 administration of a purgative. 



