58 



as more thau a symptom, or at most as expressing the existence of 

 functional disorder of the liver. "The Yellows" is observed by look- 

 ing at the eyes, nose, and month, wlien it will be seen that these parts 

 are yellowish instead of the pale-pink color of health. In white or 

 light-colored horses the skin even may show this yellow tint. The 

 nrine is saffron-colored, the dung is of a dirty gray color, and consti- 

 pation is mostly present. Jaundice may be present as a sjnnptom of 

 almost any inflammatorj- disease. AVe know that when an animal is 

 "fevered" the secretions are checked, the bile is retained and 

 absorbed throughout the system, and yellowness of the mucous mem- 

 branes follows. Jaundice may also exist during the presence of sim- 

 ple constiiiation, liepatitis, biliary calculi, abscesses, hardening of the 

 liver, etc. 



Treafmerif. — When jaundice exists we must endeavor to rid the 

 system of the excess of bile, and this is best accomplished by giving 

 purgatives that act \x])o\\ the liver. Calomel, 2 drams, with aloes, 7 

 drams, should be given. Glauber salts in handful doses once or tAvice 

 a day for a week is also effective. May-apple, rhubarb, castor oil, 

 and other cathartics that act upon the first or small bowels, may be 

 selected. We must be careful to see that the l)owels are kept open 

 by avoiding hard, dry, bulky foods. 



Eupiure of the liver. — This is known to occur at times in the horse, 

 most frequently in old, fat horses and those that get but little exer- 

 cise. Horses that have suffered from chronic liver disease for years 

 eventually present symptoms of colic and die quite suddenly. Upon 

 posf-morfem examination Ave discover that the liver had ruptured. 

 The cicatrices or scars that are often found upon the liver lead me to 

 think that that organ may suffer smdJl rui)ture and yet the horse 

 recover from it. This result can not obtain, however, if the rent or 

 tear is extensive, since in sucli cases death must quickly follow from 

 hemorrhage, or, later, from peritonitis. Enlarged liver is particularly 

 liable to rupture, and it is not surprising that, when we read of this 

 organ weighing 55 to GO pounds, this accident occurs. The immediate 

 causes of ruj)ture appear to be excessive muscular exertion, sudden 

 distention of the abdomen with gas, or some accident, as falling or 

 being kicked by another horse. 



The synipioms of rupture Avill dei)end upon the extent of the lacer- 

 ation. If slight there will be simplj' the symptoms of abdominal i^ain, 

 looking back to tlie sides, lying down, etc. ; if extensive the horse is 

 dull and dejected, has no appetite, l)reathing becomes short and 

 catching; he sighs or sobs, visible mucous membranes are pale, extrem- 

 ities cold, pulse fast, small, and Aveak or running down. Countenance 

 noAv shoAvs much distress, he SAveats i)rofusely, totters in his gait, 

 props liis legs Avide apart, reels, staggers, and falls. He may get up 

 again, but soon falls dead. The rapid running-doAvn pulse, paleness 

 of the eyes, nose, and mouth, sighing, stertorous breathing, tottering 



