Cirrhosis in the Dog. 527 



modified by the grayish fibroid hyperplasia which is especially 

 abundant in and around the vaginal sheaths of the capsule of 

 Glisson. In cases arising from diseased right heart or lungs the 

 induration is rather concentrated around the hepatic veins. The 

 contraction and shrinking of the fibroid hyperplasia as the disease 

 advances, causes the projection of the hepatic tissue in minute 

 rounded elevations which give a peculiar uneven appearance to 

 the surface of the organ. The fibroid growth gives a remarkable 

 hardness to the liver which resists even the edge of a knife. The 

 hepatic cells are the seat of fatty and pigmentary degeneration, 

 Inflammation and tumefaction of the kidneys, and ascites are 

 common features of the malady. 



Symptoms. The general symptoms are as in parenchymatous 

 hepatitis with a more tardy development. There are impaired or 

 irregular appetite, dullness, sluggishness, in an obese animal 

 short-windedness or palpitations on slight exertion, symptoms of 

 disease of the heart, lungs or digestive organs, a spasmodic cough, 

 constipation followed by relaxation of the bowels, nausea and 

 vomiting. As the disease advances tenderness of the loins, the 

 passage of brownish or reddish, albuminous urine; the formation 

 of ascites and of gastro-intestinal catarrh maybe noticed. Icterus 

 may be entirely absent, but, with a flaccid abdomen, enlarged 

 liver and spleen may be detected by palpation. 



Treatment. The indications are to first combat the causes. 

 Irregularities in the heart's action may be met by digitalis or 

 strophanthus ; gastro-intestinal catarrh by a carefully regulated 

 diet, with mineral acids and bitters ; portal congestion by a free 

 use of water and other diluents and by saline laxatives ; intestinal 

 fermentations by antiferments (salol, naphthol), and toxic matters 

 in the blood by alkaline diuretics. For the liver hyperplasia, 

 potassium iodide may be freely used. Blisters to the right side 

 will occasionally prove useful. The ascitic fluid must be drawn 

 off when it accumulates. A diet of milk, bread and milk, butter- 

 milk and mush, or one in which albuminoid elements are in mini- 

 mum amount and the action of which is laxative is to be preferred. 

 Out door exercise is desirable. 



