54 DISEASES OF CATTLE. 



rest of the organ outside the area of inflammation may continue com- 

 paratively healthy. 



The gland cells are the seat of inflammation, and the formation of an 

 abscess or abscesses is a usual result. 



Symptoms. The symptoms are sometimes obscure, and their real 

 significance is frequently overlooked. This may be accounted for by 

 the fact that only a part of the liver is affected and that by the continu- 

 ance of congestion in that organ the affected parts gradually undergo 

 those clianges which are characteristic of inflammation. The most 

 prominent symptoms are yellowness of the white of the eye ? and of the 

 membrane lining the mouth ; the appetite is poor j the body presents an 

 emaciated appearance, but there is frequently fullness at the lower 

 part of the abdomen. The gait is weak, and the animal lies down more 

 than usual, and while doing so frequently has its head turned round 

 resting on the side of its chest. 



Post-mortem appearances. There is frequently a quantity of serum in 

 the abdomen. The liver is usually enlarged. Instead of having the 

 dark-red appearance of congestion it has a brownish or grayish red 

 tint in some parts, with yellowish red or pale yellow in others. Its 

 tissue is loosened and easily torn, which is owing to its having lost its 

 natural cohesion. Abscesses or deposits of purulent matter are found 

 in its substance. The liver sometimes becomes adherent to the dia- 

 phragm or other adjacent parts through inflammation of its capsule. 

 As a result of another form of inflammation a considerable part of the 

 tissue of the liver becomes hardened or indurated, when its surface pre- 

 sents a nodulated appearance, and sometimes in cows that have died 

 after calving the liver has been found smaller than usual, so soft that 

 it is easily torn, and of a uniform yellow color. 



Treatment. Half a ponnd of sulphate of soda and half an ounce of 

 fluid extract of taraxacum should be mixed with 2 quarts of tepid 

 water, and this should be given night and morning until a relaxed con- 

 dition of the bowels is produced, as the object is not to cause a strong 

 purgation, but a laxative effect which should be continued for some 

 days. The diet should be similar to that which has been recommended 

 in speaking of congestion of the liver. After the treatment with laxa- 

 tives has been continued for several days a dram of sulphate of cin- 

 chonidia and a dram of nitro-muriatic acid should be shaken up in a quart 

 of cold water, and this dose should be given three times a day until the 

 animal has regained its strength. Oil of turpentine should be rubbed 

 in well once a day over the region of the liver. The skin on which it 

 should be applied extends from the false ribs on the right side to 6 

 inches in front of the last one, and from the backbone to 12 inches on 

 the right side of it. Extreme heat and pasturing animals on low lying 

 ground are conditions favorable to the production of this disease. 



