238 DISEASES OF THE LIVER 



rounded by a zone of intense hyperemia. In or near the 

 center liquefaction necrosis of the exudation begins which 

 spreads by peripheral extension until a smaller or larger 

 area of softened or fluid purulent material, surrounded by 

 a more or less well defined zone of limitation, results. The 

 softened material consists of leukocytes, red cells, necrotic 

 and degenerated liver tissue, infection, etc. The abscesses 

 are very commonly situated near or on the surface of the 

 liver. The surface of the liver is, therefore, involved (peri- 

 hepatitis), and extensive adhesions may bind to it the 

 contiguous organs. In some cases (especially after opera- 

 tions) the abscess is on rather than in the liver (suprahepatic, 

 inf rahepatic) . 



When small, multiple, metastatic abscesses are present, the 

 liver is usually enlarged, swollen, opaque, and shows evidence 

 of parenchymatous degeneration, or cloudy swelling. On 

 section the organ reveals numerous grayish or yellowish, 

 softened spots surrounded by hyperemic zones; the spots 

 vary considerably in size depending upon the stage of develop- 

 ment of the condition. In some cases the numerous small 

 abscesses, by peripheral extension, become confluent and 

 form a large abscess which may involve a whole lobe or in 

 some cases the entire liver. The purulent contents are 

 usually thick, creamy, yellowish, or thinner and seropurulent, 

 or stained with blood or bile; the surrounding liver tissue is 

 in most cases stained a greenish-yellow tint. The pus often 

 has an offensive odor especially when due to gastric or duo- 

 denal ulcers. 



Symptoms.— The early manifestations are not very charac- 

 teristic. Therefore, unless the condition is well established 

 involving a large portion of the liver, or interfering severely 

 with its function, it is apt to be overlooked. 



In traumatic abscess, and abscesses due to spread of 

 infection from adjacent organs, the patient usually shows 

 pain in the region of the liver, especially when the animal is 

 handled or moved about. Jaundice, due to compression of 

 the biliary ducts, and enlargement of the liver can usually 

 be determined by palpation; fluctuation may also be evident. 

 In multiple abscess the diagnosis is difficult, as there are 



