INFLAMMATION OF THE LIVER. 541 



Alkalies, such as the bicarbonate of soda, are very useful ; for, according to 

 Bence Jones, they greatly assist in the oxidation of the products of unused 

 nutritive matter and of broken-up tissue in the blood, which products the liver 

 is called upon to convert into substances of which the kidneys can speedily 

 get rid. 



Sal-ammoniac exercises a powerful influence in relieving the functional 

 circulation of the liver. As the amount of nitrogenous solids in the urine 

 increases lai'gely after its use, we may surmise that it tends to restore to the 

 liver its healthy function of purifying the blood by aiding in the formation of 

 these products. It may be used in combination with alkalies or mineral acids. 

 It is also a good stimulant. 



Salts of iron should not be given; as — probably on account of their 

 astringent properties — they almost invariably aggravate the disease. If a 

 tonic be required, Ave may try nux vomica, gentian, or chiretta. 



PRACTICAL TREATMENT.— Agreeably to the foregoing re- 

 marks we may give, on one or more occasions, as a drench — 



Epsom salts ... ... ... ... 8 oz. 



Water ... ... ... ... ... 3 pints. 



Treacle ... ... ... ... ... A sufficiency. 



Give 2 drachms of ipecacuanha in a ball twice a day for a week, 

 or for a shorter period in the event of the gums and insides of the 

 eyelids recovering their usual healthy hue before that time. Ad- 

 minister, as a drench, an ounce of sweet sj)irits of nitre in a pint 

 of cold water, tAvo or three times a day. The Epsom salts and 

 sweet spirits of nitre may be given as the symptoms seem to indi- 

 cate. An enema of Avarm water should be administered from time 

 to time, if the constipation continues. 



Apply warm fomentations over the liver (on the right side), and 

 keep the horse warmly clothed and stabled. Allow him bran 

 mashes, roots, green fodder, and plenty of water to drink. A little 

 gentle exercise — say, a walk for a mile or two, once or twice a day 

 — may be given at discretion. 



Two ounces of bicarbonate of soda mixed in the daily allowance 

 of food, and half an ounce of sal ammoniac in a pint of water, as a 

 drench, three times a day, can be tried with advantage. 



Chronic Inflammation of the Liver. 



The same causes induce both chronic and acute inflammation of 

 the liver. The former, generally, comes on after repeated attacks 

 of the latter. 



NATURE OF THE DISEASE.— In chronic inflammation of the liver, there 

 is a large increase in the amount of the fibrous tissue of that organ, which 

 causes, by pressure, more or less obliteration of the bile-cells (which are the 

 secreting elements), and also hinders the circulation of blood through the liver, 

 and consequently gives rise, in some cases, to abdominal dropsy (ascites), 

 which is due to the transudation of watery fluid from the blood contained in 



