320 DISEASES OF THE PANCEEAS. 



the gall-ducts, especially when these have become dilated 

 from the presence of flukes in them (see Fig. 108.) These 

 casts of the gall-ducts are found by Dr Thudichum to be 

 composed of cholocrome (colouring matter of bile) precipi- 

 tated in a granular form. 



It is chiefly in the ox that gall-stones are discovered, and 

 they are made up of cholocrome, with cholic acid, phos- 

 phates, and carbonates of lime and magnesia. 



Unpleasant symptoms only arise when the gall-stones are 

 passed through the ducts and become fixed by the spasmodic 

 action of the latter. The pain they induce is very severe, 

 but the true cause of the suffering is never diagnosed in the 

 lower animals. Jaundice, attended with pains at intervals, 

 may turn our attention to the liver. 



Aloetic purgatives must be given in such cases, besides the 

 use of alkaline salts, phosphates, according to Dr Thudichum, 

 and chloride of sodium. 



DISEASES OF THE* PANCREAS. 



The pancreas is an organ doubtless often functionally dis- 

 turbed, and the absence of its secretion impairs digestion, 

 and gives rise to a form of diarrhoea in which fatty prin- 

 ciples are in excess in the excrement. 



Organic disease is not often discovered in this organ, but 

 cancerous deposit, abscess, melanotic .matter, &c., have been 

 found in it. 



PANCEEATIC CALCULI, or small white concretions, varying 

 in size from a millet seed to a common pea, are often found 

 in large numbers in the pancreatic ducts of cattle after death, 

 but I am not aware of any symptoms during life whereby 

 their presence may be recognised. 



