SPLENIC HYPERTROPHY IN HORSES. 



Causes. It occurs as the result of mechanical obstruction of 

 the posterior vena cava as noticed by Varnell, from obstruction 

 in the splenic artery or veins by Ellenberger and Schiitz, as the 

 result of an angioma by Martin, as the result of the morbid hy- 

 perplasias in specific diseases — glanders, tuberculosis — taking 

 place in the spleen or lungs and thus directly or indirectly caus- 

 ing chronic congestion of the spleen (Morot, Leisering, Nocard, 

 Varnell) and again as the result of innervation, in disease of the 

 splenic plexus of nerves (Varnell). 



Lesions. The increase in size may be enormous (42 lbs. 

 (Bouret and Druille), 92 lbs, (Cunningham), and over 100 lbs. 

 (Girard).) The consistency is varied. There may be such a re- 

 dundancy of blood and splenic pulp that the capsule is distended 

 to its utmost or even ruptured (Peuch). In other cases the 

 splenic veins have given way and the blood has poured out into 

 the abdomen with fatal result (Crafts, Cunningham, Reis). In 

 other cases the spleen is enlarged, unevenly swollen and indu- 

 rated by the formation of angioma (Jacob), lymphadenoma, 

 glander or tuberculous nodules. In still others the capsule and 

 fibrous framework are greatly thickened and the substance of 

 the organ has assumed the consistency of the hepatized lung 

 (Rodet). 



Symptoms. ' These are suggestive rather than diagnostic. 

 Most prominent is the condition of the blood with excess of 

 leucocytes and especially of the eosinophile cells. Weakness, 

 emaciation, feebleness of pulse, bloodlessness, bleeding from the 

 nose or other natural passages, are attendant symptoms. In 

 cases of extreme hypertrophy distention of the abdomen is 

 marked and even the enlarged spleen may be made out by palpa- 

 tion, there may be special tenderness and dullness on percussion. 

 Even partial sweats over the region of the spleen (Cadeac), and 

 stretching with the fore feet far in advance (Welsby) have been 

 noted as symptoms. In such conditions the animal walks stiffly, 

 groans in turning, or when suddenly started and is with difficulty 

 urged beyond a walk. There may be ascites, signs of colic, or 

 irregularity of the bowels. Rectal exploration may reveal the 

 hypertrophy. 

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