ATROPHY AND DEGENERATIONS OF TISSUE. 67 



circumference to tliose situated more witliin tlie liver, then 

 into the blood-vessels, and is finally disposed of, either by being 

 deposited in other tissues, or destroyed in the maintenance of 

 the animal heat. 



There is thus a temporary accumulation of fat in the liver, 

 which is gradually removed, and the vitality of the hepatic cells 

 is not impaired. By bearing these facts in mind, we can the 

 more readily understand that when an animal is constantly fed 

 on such a diet, the accumulation may be too great to be disposed 

 of or consumed, and that it remains permanently within the 

 hepatic cells, or so long as the animal continues to be so fed 

 and treated, interfering to some extent with the secretory powers 

 of the organ, and rendering it unfit for ordinary work. A 

 liver subjected to the stimulating influences of such food is 

 prone to attacks of congestion, which are occasionally so great 

 as to cause a rupture of Glisson's capsule, and bring on death 

 from haemorrhage. It is well to remember that when a horse 

 is excessively fat, the liver may be in this condition; that 

 there is a possibility of death occurring from congestion or 

 rupture; and that the probabilities of recovery from diseases 

 which may have no immediate connection with the liver itself 

 are much lessened. If, however, the animal be carefully brought, 

 into condition, regularly but moderately worked or exercised, 

 and fed on food containing no excess of the hydrocarbons, but 

 rich in nitrogenous materials — such as oats, beans, and hay — tlie 

 liver cells will be again restored to their normal condition by the 

 absorption of the contained fat. 



As a veterinary legal question the matter is of some impor- 

 tance, as horses often die if not cautiously and carefully treated 

 when loaded with fat. 



It is well known that a practice prevails in many parts of the 

 country of fattening horses rapidly prior to showing them for 

 sale, by giving them an immoderate quantity of highly car- 

 bonaceous or even oleaginous food. To the eye, such annuals 

 present all the signs of good health. Tliey are, however, totally 

 unfit for work, and too well does the experienced veterinarian 

 know, that when they are seized by an ordinary attack of 

 disease — such as a cold, influenza, &c. — that the chances of 

 recovery are more remote than they otherwise would be, by the 

 liver and other internal orGfans bein" loaded with fat. Tlie ten- 



