130 SWINE PRACTICE 



AMYLOID CHANGES 



Amyloid changes in tlie liver are rather uncommon in swine. The 

 cause is unknown. The affected liver is larger, paler, and firmer 

 than normal. The amyloid areas are homogeneous and translucent in 

 appearance, the amylaceous substances usually occurring in definite 

 foci, though they may be quite diffuse. This condition may be as- 

 sociated with other diseases which tend to mask any specific symp- 

 toms. One case of amyloid change has been observed in a hog that 

 clinically showed no manifestation of disease and was in prime con- 

 dition at the time of slaughter. The amylaceous substance is in- 

 soluble, and the condition is therefore probably incurable. 



GLYCOGENIC INFILTRATION 



Glycogenic infiltration is a condition in which excessive quantities 

 of glycogen accumulate in the liver. This condition is observed oc- 

 casionally in the liver of slaughtered swine. 



Etiology. — Disturbed carbohydrate metabolism is inseparably as- 

 sociated with glycogenic infiltration, although the specific relation of 

 disturbed carbohydrate metabolism and glycogenic infiltration is not 

 known. Inflammatory disturbances and tumor formation appear to 

 have some relationship with glycogenic infiltration. 



Lesions. — A glycogenic infiltrated liver is pale, larger than normal, 

 and of a putty consistency. 



tSymptoms. — No definite symptoms are attributed to. the excessive 

 accumulation of glycogen in the liver. The condition may be 

 suspected when the animals are sluggish and do not exercise, as it 

 has been demonstrated that during muscular activity glycogen is 

 used in considerable quantities and is drawn from the storehouse, 

 which is the liver, as it is required. 



Treat Die )it. — Regulation of diet and exercise are far more valuable 

 than medicinal treatment. 



GALL-STONES (CHOLELITHIASIS) 



Gall-stones are accumulations of organic or inorganic substances 

 in the various bile tubes or gall bladder. They are relatively com- 

 mon in swine. 



Etiology. — The presence of a substance that will act as a nucleus 

 is the first step in thxj formation of a calculus. Precipitation of some 

 of the bile ingredients is the second step in calculus formation, and 



