Hyperemia — Congestion of the Spleen. 567 



larged and its parenchyma contained many red nucleated haema- 

 toblasts. The result of hemorrhage is therefore to stimulate 

 the organ to enlargement and to the resumption of its embryonic 

 function of producing red blood globules. Contraction of the 

 spleen further occurs under asphyxia, the deoxidized blood being 

 supposed to operate through the medulla oblongata. As already 

 noted the spleen shrinks under stimulation of the central end 

 of a sensory nerve (vagus, sciatic). An induced current of 

 electricity applied to the skin over the spleen causes marked 

 contraction (Botkin). Cold, quinine, eucalyptus, ergot and 

 other agents also induce contraction. In the normal condition 

 there is an inverse ratio between the bulk of the spleen and the 

 liver, the enlargement of the one entailing a diminution of the 

 other, but in certain diseased states, such as anthrax, ague, etc., 

 both are liable to enlargement at the same time. 



Symptoms of splenic anaemia are wanting, through a lack of 

 eosinphyle leucocytes, in the blood of a starved or otherwise de- 

 bilitated animal, may lead to suspicion of the condition. 



The treatment of such a case would be addressed rather to the 

 general debility which induced the splenic contraction than to the 

 contraction itself. Light, sunshine, pure air, exercise, grooming, 

 nourishing food and the avoidance of all debilitating morbid condi- 

 tions would indicate the principles of therapeutic management. 



HYPEREMIA— CONGESTION OF THE SPLEEN. 



Four hours after full meal in splenic diastole. In«well fed, high condi- 

 tioned. Prom obstruction of splenic or portal vein or vena cava, heart, 

 liver, or pulmonary disease, inhibition from encephalon acting through 

 splanchnics or vagi, microbes, ptomaines, toxins, paresis, albuminoid diet. 

 Spleen may be seven times its normal weight. Lesions : simple blood en- 

 gorgement : proliferation of pulp cells : increased friability ; rupture ; dark 

 color ; hyperplasia of trabeculae — hypertrophy. Symptoms : none ; or colic ; 

 palpation in ruminants ; tenderness. Treatment : directed against the 

 causative disease ; quinine, cinchonine, eucalyptus, ergot, cold douche, 

 electricity, puncture. 



Considerable hyperaemia of this organ takes place physiogi- 



