210 DISEASES OF THE LIVER. 



behind him. The fever increases, the skin becomes of a dark yellow- 

 colour, the mucous membrance of the mouth and conjunctiva is of a dirty 

 red, the expired air is evidently hot, the gaze is anxious, the urine is of a 

 saffron yellow, or even darker : in short, there now appears every symptom 

 of inflammation of the liver, with jaundice. 



As the disease proceeds the animal begins to vomit masses of a yellowish 

 green substance, occasionally mixed with blood. He wastes away to a 

 skeleton, he totters in his walk, he is half unconscious, the pulse becomes 

 weak and interrupted, the temperature sinks, and death ensues. 



The duration and course of the disease is deceptive. It occasionally 

 proceeds so insidiously that several days are suffered to pass before the 

 owner perceives any marks of disease, or seeks any aid. The duration of 

 the disease is usually from ten to twelve days. It terminates in congestion 

 of blood in the liver, or a gradual restoration to health. The latter can 

 only take place in cases where the inflammation has proceeded very slowly ; 

 where the commencement and progress of the disease could be discovered 

 by debility and slight yellowness of the skin, and especially where speedy 

 recourse has been had to medical aid. 



The predisposing causes of this disease are often difficult to discover. 

 The dog, in warm climates, seems to have a natural disposition to it. As 

 exciting causes, atmospheric influence may be reckoned, sultry days, cold 

 nights, and damp weather. Other occasional causes may be found in 

 violent falls, bruises, and over-feeding. Fat petted dogs that are easily 

 overheated by exertion are often attacked by this disease. The result of 

 the disease depends on its duration, course, and complication. If it is 

 attended to early, it can generally be cured. If it has existed for several 

 days, and the fever has taken on a typhoid character if the yellow hue is 

 perceptible the appetite failing, and vomiting ensuing, the cure is doubt- 

 ful ; and, if inflammation of the stomach has taken place, with high fever, 

 vomiting of blood, wasting away, and fits occurring, there is no chance 

 of cure. 



When simple jaundice alone is visible, a moderate laxative of sulphate 

 of magnesia and tartaric acid, in conjunction with some aromatic and 

 mucilaginous fluid, or, quite in the beginning of the disease, an emetic, 

 will be found of considerable service ; but, when the yellow colour has 

 become more intense, and the animal will no longer eat, and the fever and 

 weakness are increased, it is necessary to give calomel, tartar-emetic, cam- 

 phor, and opium, in the form of pills, and to rub some strong Kniment on 

 the region of the liver : the doses of calomel, however, must be very small. 

 If inflammation of the stomach appears, mucilaginous fluids only must be 

 given. Bleeding may be of service in the commencement of the disease, 

 but after it is hurtful. 



This is an account of hepatitis as it occasionally appears, and particu- 

 larly on the Continent ; but it does not often assume so virulent a character 

 in our country. There is often restlessness, thirst, and sickness, accom- 

 panied by much prostration of strength ; or general heat and tenderness. 

 Occasionally there is purging ; but much oftener constipation, that bids 

 defiance to almost every medicine. The principal or almost only hope of 

 cure consists in bleeding, physicking, and blistering on the right side. 



Of bilious disease, assuming the character of inflammation, we have too 

 many cases. It may be spontaneous or brought on by the agency of other 

 affections. Long-continued and inveterate mange will produce it. It is 



