164 DISEASES OF THE LIVER 



(Gmelin's test). As no bile reaches the intestinal tract the 

 feces are pale drab or slate colored, and usually very fetid. 

 The general symptoms are those of languor, dulness, slow 

 pulse and subnormal temperature. In man the respirations 

 may fall below normal and xanthopsia, or yellow vision may 

 occur. 



Prognosis. — ^The progiiosis in this form of icterus is usually 

 favorable. 



Treatment. — ^Treatment consists in regulating the diet 

 (gastro-intestinal catarrh) and the administration of anti- 

 catarrhal agents, such as Carlsbad salts. To relieve con- 

 stipation, purgatives (aloes, calomel) are recommended. 

 POocarpin (grs. iij), followed by potassium tartrate, is 

 given. 



Malignant Jaundice {Icterus Gravis). — Definition. — This 

 form of jaundice is marked by its malignancy, and char- 

 acterized anatomically by a destruction of the liver cells, 

 with reduction in volimie of the organ. 



Occurrence. — Malignant jaundice is a rare disease in 

 animals. Occasionally cases are seen in the horse and 

 sheep. 



Etiology. — ^The causes are not well understood. It has 

 been known to follow phosphorus poisoning, feeding lupine, 

 sour potato peelings, vetch straw, and hay from flooded 

 meadows. In some cases it is probably due to a toxin 

 eliminated during septicemia and gastro-enteritis. In man 

 there seems to be a close association between the disease 

 and pregnancy. 



Symptoms. — The principal symptom is a profound icterus, 

 associated with which are weakness, coma, sinking of the 

 temperature, hemorrhage of the skin and mucous mem- 

 branes, and often a rapid, fatal course. 



Prognosis. — ^The prognosis is bad. Death usually occurs 

 in about one week. 



Treatment. — ^Treatment is unsatisfactory. Recommended 

 are disinfectants, purgatives and diuretics. 



Jaundice of ihe Newborn {Icterus Neonatorum). — Defini- 

 tion. — ^This form of icterus, as the name indicates, occurs 

 in animals just after birth. 



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