DISEASES OF THE LIVER. 727 



addition to the above symptoms, lameness in the off shoulder 

 has been observed. My own experience leads me to conclude 

 that this is a rare symptom, and is more particularly sympto- 

 matic of the existence of abscesses or of foreign bodies in the 

 gland. In one case a thorn has been discovered ; in other two, 

 which came under my immediate observation, a stocking needle 

 was found in one, whilst in the other a calcified exudate, sur- 

 rounded by purulent material, was detected after death. In the 

 latter case, the symptoms of liver disease, which had continued 

 for many months, became associated with those of chronic 

 tetanus, and, finally, with ascites. I think it right to mention 

 that in another animal which had died suddenly, in addition to 

 a calcareous concretion, rupture of the liver was found, the 

 animal having manifested no symptoms of disease during life. 



Treatment. — In the earlier stages of acute hepatitis, purgatives 

 and sedatives, more particularly aconite, or, if the symptoms be 

 very acute, nauseants, as digitalis or veratrum. In human 

 practice, ipecacuanha stands in high repute. It is given in large 

 doses for the purpose of causing nausea, profuse diaphoresis, and 

 frequent bilious motions. Its value in the treatment of the liver 

 diseases of horses and cattle has been proved to be very great, 

 and it is almost invaluable for the dog and other carnivora. It 

 wiU be clearly understood that calomel and other so-called liver 

 stimulants are inadmissible in this condition ; if, however, the 

 liver remain sluggish after the subsidence of the febrile symptoms, 

 one or two doses may be given in combination with stomachics. 



CHRONIC HEPATITIS. 



This form of disease may occur as a sequel to or independent 

 of acute hepatitis. 



It tends to create various changes in the substance of the liver, 

 whereby it either becomes enlarged and softened in structure, or 

 hardened, indurated, and diminished in bulk. 



Induration of the liver is described under a variety of names 

 — cirrhosis, interstitial hepatitis, hob-nailed or gin-drinker's 

 liver, nutmeg liver, and chronic atrophy; and the nature of 

 the changes which occur in the liver substance are explained in 

 three ways : — 



(1.) Dr. Goodeve, who takes the view of Dr. Budd, says that 



