INFLAMMATION OF THE LIVEE. 541 



remain unaltered in bulk. Too high feeding, particularly in hot climates, 

 may lead to fatty or other degeneration. All these changes will most 

 materially impair the working efficiency of the liver. The proper treat- 

 ment wiU naturally consist in feeding the horse on food which has the least 

 possible tendency to overtax his liver ; and we may depend on bicarbonate 

 of soda and sal-ammoniac as the safest and most efficient medicines. 

 Respecting their actions see page 539. 



SYMPTOMS AND TREATMENT.— TMs disease is rather obscure 

 in its nature. The cases I have seen in India presented but few 

 characteristic symptoms to guide the observer. There was always 

 depression of spirits ; loss of appetite for corn, although the animal 

 would eat plentifully of green meat of every sort ; wasting of the 

 muscles, which was very apparent over the hind quarters ; and 

 the animal often became pot-bellied. The bowels were generally 

 constipated ; the dung lighter coloured than natural ; and the 

 gums and lining membrane of the eyelids pale, and tinged with 

 yellow. The coat did not seem to become affected. In these oases, 

 the aninifil got considerably better on a course of green fodder, 

 roots, and regular, though moderate, exercise, and now and then 

 a short course of ' bicarbonate of soda or sal-ammoniac; but if 

 restricted to " hard " food, he would rapidly lose the little condition 

 he had " put ooq ; " the mucous membranes would become yellow, 

 and the mouth would acquire a sour smell. I have rarely seen a 

 radical cure effected in the case of a horse suffering from this 

 disease in India. 



The appropriate treatment would be green food, attention to 

 ventilation, a free supply of fresh air, and moderate exercise. Two 

 ounces of bicarbonate of soda may be given in the food daily, and 

 half an ounce of sal-ammoniac in a pint of water three times a 

 day. These medicines may be continued for a month, or longer. 



Biniodide of mercury ointment (1 to 16 of vaseline or lard) 

 might be rubbed on the skin over the region of the liver, with 

 the object of causing absorption. 



