PARASITES WHICH INVADE THE LIVER 99 
comb, or may contain only a few cavities of varying 
size. The portions of liver between the cysts become 
atrophied from pressure. Old cysts may show signs of 
calcification, with pus in the centre. 
These must not be mistaken for lesions of tuberculosis, 
and may be distinguished by the discovery of scolices on 
microscopical examination, by the existence of vestiges 
of the envelopes in the calcified cysts, and by the absence 
of tubercle bacilli. 
Symptoms.—Otten there are no apparent symptoms. 
When in sufficient numbers to cause marked enlarge- 
ment of the liver, percussion in the neighbourhood of 
the last two ribs on the right side will often assist 
diagnosis. On palpation pain may be evinced. Diges- 
tion is disturbed and emaciation becomes marked. 
Jaundice is seldom exhibited. Diarrhcea is not un- 
common. On rectal examination the liver may be 
found enlarged and lumpy. 
Treaiment.—Useless. Slaughter when the diagnosis 
is confirmed is the most economical course if the number 
of cysts in any one organ is great. 
DISTOMIASIS (FLUKE DISEASE, FASCIOLIASIS, 
LIVER ROT, ETC.). 
Distomiasis is the name given to the condition arising 
from the existence of Distomata, or flukes, in the bile- 
ducts of the liver. It affects oxen, sheep, and goats. 
There are two species which may set up the condition— 
viz., Distomum hepaticum and Distomum lanceolaitum. 
Distomum Hepaticum.—The parasite isleaf-shaped and 
of a dirty white colour. In length it varies from 20 to 
30 millimetres, and in width from 10 to 15 millimetres. 
The anterior extremity is more or less rounded, except 
at the extreme tip, which is drawn out into a short 
