32 DISEASES OF RABBITS 



whitish-yellow nodules varying in size from 

 that of a millet seed to that of a peanut. As a 

 rule the whole organ is involved, but in some 

 cases only one lobe may be affected'. On sec- 

 tion of the liver the nodules are found to be dis- 

 tributed throughout the hepatic parenchyma, 

 sometimes to such an extent that there is very 

 little left of the liver substance. The nodules 

 contain, a whitish, purulent fluid in which are 

 found coccidia, degenerated epithelial cells, fat 

 and crystals of cholesterin. The nodules are, in 

 fact, simply dilatations of the bile ducts. The 

 lumen of the bile ducts may be crowded with 

 coccidia in various stages of development, 

 broken down cells and leukocytes. The epithe- 

 lium of the ducts is found to be invaded with 

 the parasites and the submucosa infiltrated 

 with small round cells. Occasionally the gall 

 bladder is also invaded, causing thickening of 

 its walls and damage to the cells of its lining 

 epithelium. In very chronic cases the liver may 

 become completely cirrhosed with large cyst- 

 like cavities which are the remains of degener- 

 ated and obliterated bile ducts. 



In the intestine the mucous membrane is 

 found studded with nodules of punctiform ap- 

 pearance, and in a state of catarrhal inflamma- 

 tion, covered with an exudate and showing 

 small areas of ulceration. The exudate con- 

 tains coccidia, degenerated epithehal cells and 



