138 VETEKINAKY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 



JAUNDICE. 



Synonyms. — The yellows; Icterus. 



Definition. — A disease characterized in horses by yellowness of the 

 eyes, white faeces, and dark urine. 



Etiology. — Jaundice is caused by suppression, or by reabsorption of 

 bile, and is a symptom rather than a disease itself. Any causes which 

 lead to sluggishness of the hepatic functions, or obstructions of the bile- 

 ducts produce it. Over-feeding and too little work is a common cause. 



Symptoms. — Are much the same as in congestion and inflammation 

 of the liver. 



Treatment. — If the cause is non-elimination of the bile, the treatment 

 will be the same as recommended for congestion and inflammation. If 

 due to obstruction, the cause of the difficulty should be sought. If the 

 bowels are constipated, avoid purgatives, and give: 



Epsom salts § iv. 



Bran water 1 quart 



or, 



Linseed oil 1 pint 



daily until the faeces become soft. 



If there are indications that the stomach is acid, shown by the animal 

 licking the walls or eating dirt, give: 



Lime water ^ iv. 



Water | pint 



or. 



Carbonate of soda 3 iv. 



Water ^ pint 



or, if preferred, the soda may be mixed up with linseed meal and molasses 

 and form a ball. It is not uncommon for the liver to perform its functions 

 irregularly after an acute attack. An excessivfe secretion is indicated by 

 purging, the dung being coffee-colored; a deficient secretion, by clay-col- 



