CIRRHOSIS IN THE DOG. 



In the dog, cirrhosis is much more common than in the larger 

 animals, in connection with idle pampered habits, the frequency 

 of diseased heart and consequent disturbance of the circulation, 

 and t!ie presence of parasites in the liver or biliary ducts. Bac- 

 teria intoxication and infection are al.so common. 



Lesions. The liver is at fir.st tumefied, with hard consistency 

 and rounded edges, and a deep brownisli red color, but this is 

 modified by the grayish fibroid hyperplasia which is especially 

 abundant in and around the vaginal sheaths of the cap.sule 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 tis,sue 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 re.sists even the edge of a knife. The 

 hepatic cells are the seat of fatty and pigmentary degeneration. 

 Inflammation and tumefaction of the kidneys, and a.scites 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 

 disea,se of the heart, lungs or dige.stive 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 reddi.sh, albuminous urine, the formation 

 of ascites and of gastro-inte.stinal catarrh may be noticed. Icterus 

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

 liver and spleen may be detected. 



Treatment. The indications are to fir.st 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 

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