HEPATITIS 77 



the lobules between the liver cells. The new formed 

 tissue tends to contract, causing atrophy of the cells 

 from pressure or from interference with the portal 

 circulation. The bile ducts may also become obliter- 

 ated and both the secretion and the outpouring of 

 the bile be interfered with. Owing to the above men- 

 tioned changes, secondary lesions occur; these are 

 ascites or dropsy icterus, gastrointestinal catarrh, 

 and hemorrhages. 



Cause. — The causes of cirrhosis in the dog are 

 unknown, but it is often seen in connection with 

 cardiac diseases. 



Symptoms. — In cirrhosis of the liver gastroin- 

 testinal catarrh with icterus, abdominal dropsy, car- 

 diac disturbances, and gradual emaciation give evi- 

 dence of the disease. 



Treatment. — Cirrhosis of the liver invariably 

 sooner or later ends in death, and treatment is in- 

 effectual. However, life may be prolonged by treat- 

 ing the symptoms as they arise, and by liberal diet, 

 alteratives and tonics keeping up the patient's 

 strength. 



Ascites — Abdominal Dropsy 



The accumulation of fluid in the abdominal cavity 

 is always a secondary condition. The fluid in true 

 ascites is a non-inflammatory transudate of serum 

 from the peritoneal blood vessels and must he dis- 

 tinguished from the inflammatory exudate formed in 

 peritonitis. The fluid is generally straw colored, 

 though sometimes it has a reddish tinge; it is sticky 

 to touch and clots readily on exposure to the air. 

 It is usually clear, but may contain shreds of 

 fibrin. Contrary to the exudate of peritonitis, it is 

 rich in fibrinogen but poor in cells. 



Cause.-^Cirrhosis of the liver, on account of 

 the obstruction of the portal circulation, for the 



