iqo THE FARM DOCTOR. 



the breaking down of red blood-globules and liberation of their 

 colouring matter to stain the blood and textures. This may be 

 caused by excess in the blood of water, bile acids (taurocholates) 

 alkalies, nitrites, ether, or chloroform. It may result from 

 freezing, burning (140° F.), and frictional and induction currents 

 of electricity. It is noticeable that the colouring matter in the 

 blood of solipeds is very easily dissolved, and that of carnivora 

 only with difficulty. Hence the frequency of a dusky or jaun- 

 diced appearance of the membranes in horses, and its compara- 

 tive harmlessness, as contrasted with similar conditions in the 

 dog. It is further probable that the re-absorbed bile acids are 

 transformed into bile pigment in certain states of the blood. . 



Symptojns. — General coloration of all the tissues, but 

 especially the mucous membranes of a yellow, or over large 

 veins of a greenish hue, and also of the urine. When there is 

 obstruction of the bile duct, the dung is devoid of bile, foetid 

 and often clayey in appearance, but if from other causes it may 

 retain its natural colour and odour. 



Other symptoms may appear dependent on the nature of the 

 attendant disease, or the poisonous action of the bile acids, and 

 of various diseased products on the blood, while the coloration 

 itself seems to be comparatively harmless. 



Treatment. — This will depend on the nature of the cause. 

 As a general rule what favours the action of the bowels, the 

 free elimination of the bile, and depletion of the portal vein and 

 liver will counteract the jaundice. Small daily doses of podo- 

 phyllin (horse and ox i sen), with one or more ounces each of 

 Glauber, Epsom, and common salt, as may be needful, will, 

 often act very efficiently. Or aloes, jalap, or calomel, may 

 replace the podophyllin. Taraxacum may be given either in 

 diuretic or purgative doses, or a herbivorous patient may be 

 turned out on a pasturage of dandelion ; succulent spring grass . 

 indeed is sometimes all that is needed. Diuretics are useful in 

 effecting elimination of the pigment, the carbonates and acetates > 



