278 PROXIMITY OF LIVER AND KIDNEYS. [BOOK II. 



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the liver extends much farther bach than the last 

 rib, and a little beyond the false one. Here, a con- 

 siderable protuberance appears when the liver is 

 enlarged, and disease may be ascertained that is at- 

 tended by the presence of pain only. Old horses, 

 which have been well bred, retain chronic affections 

 of the liver to a very great age ; and this is fre- 

 quently the main disease under which they suffer 

 for several of the last years of their lives : many such 

 animals die without liver, for want of sufficient 

 action, or being of so small a size, that nought but 

 its situation could assure us it ever had any func- 

 tions to perform. Horses so visited with a trifling 

 undetected affection of the liver lose their courage, 

 and gradually sink into lethargy: we often hear 

 such animals accused of being " used up, done for, 

 or, 'tis all up with him," and yet driven about to the 

 last moment of a painful existence. 



When the attack is rapid, with painful inflamma- 

 tion, arising from the causes just set down (page 

 276), the pulse is the sure indication of the ruin 

 that is going on, by its irregularity, quickness, and 

 uncertain vibration. See page 179. One lobe 



the kidney of the near side ; whilst the off-side kidney in the same 

 subject would be intersected by the lines 27, 28. With this latter, 

 the right lobe of the liver lies in contact, and when an enlargement 

 of it takes place, it may here be seen and felt ; so that, when the access 

 of inflammation and tension render it painful only, the doctor should 

 press the points of his fingers (of the left hand) gently behind the last 

 or false rib several times, whereby he will ascertain whether any and 

 what degree of pain the patient endures. If seated high up on the 

 liver, the horse will not, of course, flinch at the first slight touch. 



