DIGESTIVE SYSTEM 129 



CLOUDY SWELLING 



Cloudy swelling, or parenchymatous degeneration, is a condition 

 in which a portion of the cell protoplasm is coagulated. This con- 

 dition is very common. It is frequently the forerunner of fatty 

 changes. 



Etiology. — Coagulation of portions of the cell protoplasm may be 

 caused by high temperature, as is evidenced in fever or overheat, 

 or it may be caused by bacterial products and other chemical poisons. 



Lesions. — The affected liver is enlarged, paler in color and more 

 friable than normal. 



Symptoms. — The symptoms are usually associated with those of 

 other disturbances and are therefore not specific. There is evidence 

 of disturbed hepatic function, and often a slight icterus and ten- 

 dency to constipation. 



Treatment. — To ascertain and then remove the cause is of prime 

 importance. This condition is corrected only through the efiEorts of 

 the body, therefore, provide the proper diet and maintain sanitary 

 conditions. 



FATTY CHANGES 



Fatty changes in the liver are of common occurrence in swine. The 

 usual change is first an accumulation of fat droplets between the 

 cells and later a fatty degeneration of the cells. 



Etiology .-^Fatty changes in the liver may be due to excessive 

 nutrition, diminished exercise, hereditary influences, long-continued 

 fever, bacterial products, and such chemical poisons as phosphorus. 

 Fatty degeneration of hepatic tissue is sometimes observed in con- 

 ditions associated with malnutrition. 



Lesions. — The liver is enlarged, gray or grayish-red in color and 

 lighter than normal in weight; when incised, droplets of fat or oil 

 may be observed on the knife. Fatty changes are usually uniformly 

 distributed in the entire liver; however, in exceptional cases, one 

 lobe only may be involved. 



Symptoms. — The evidences of fatty changes in the liver are not 

 characteristic. The condition may be suspected in obese animals or 

 those known to be affected with chronic arsenic, antimony, or phos- 

 phorous poisoning. 



Treatment. — There is no treatment that is of any special value 

 other than to correct the diet. 



