CHAPTER XII. 

 DISEASES OF THE LIVER. 



Examination.— The liver is examined by: 



(a) Palpation.— This method is not very satisfactory 

 owing to the well protected position of the liver, and the 

 thickness of the abdominal muscles over it. However, when 

 the liver is much enlarged from acute inflammation, etc., it is 

 possible to palpate it through the walls. 



(b) Laparotomy.— When a thorough examination of the 

 liver is desired this method is much more satisfactory than 

 by palpation. The incision is made just posterior to the 

 xiphoid cartilage, same as for gastrotomy, and long enough 

 to admit of a thorough examination. The liver should be 

 examined for inflammations, atrophy, cirrhosis, foreign 

 bodies, abscesses, tumors, injuries, etc. 



ICTERUS. JAUNDICE. 



Definition.— Icterus (jaundice) is a term applied to staining 

 of the tissues with bile pigments. It is characterized clini- 

 cally by a yellowish or greenish-yellow discoloration of the 

 skin, mucous membranes, and the presence of the bile pig- 

 ments in the urine. This is not a disease in itself, but merely 

 a symptom of a number of conditions, indicative of a disturb- 

 ance in the secretion or excretion of bile, which is significant 

 of a disease of the liver. 



Etiology.— Icterus evidently results from two general 

 conditions : (a) An obstruction at some point in the course 

 of the biliary ducts in consequence of which the bile becomes 

 absorbed by the lymphatics or the bloodvessels, producing 

 icterus by stasis or hepatogenous icterus. This form of 

 icterus is very common in the dog and has a number of 

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