BLOOD DISEASES. 71 



POLYCYTHEMIA. 



What are the synonyms ? 



Plethora, polyemia, polysemia. 



Define polycythemia. 



This is a condition with an increase in the number of red blood- 

 globules and albumin. 



What are the symptoms and diagnosis? 



There is danger of congestion of various organs. Hemor- 

 rhages may be present; the veins are prominent and full of blood. 

 The pulse is quick, strong, and full, the heart-beat is more distinct, 

 the temperature rises a little, the surface of the body feels warm, 

 the mucous membranes of the nose and eyes become reddened. 



The diagnosis is easy, plethora not being a disease itself, but 

 leads to disease. 



What are the post-mortem appearances? 



The tissues are of a deep red color on account of the blood- 

 vessels being engorged. Capillary hemorrhages may be present. 



What are the causes of plethora ? 



It occurs mostly in young, vigorous animals, before they get 

 their growth, especially when they are fed on highly nutritious 

 food in large quantities and not enough exercise in proportion. 



What treatment is recommended? 



Eeduce the system, principally by dieting, giving a less amount 

 of food of a bland nature, and advise exercise. 



General bloodletting is recommended in some cases, although 

 purging acts about as well and is more commonly used. An aloetic 

 pill, linseed oil, or some of the salines. 



LEUCOCYTHEMIA. 



Give the synonyms. 



Leukaemia, or leucaemia. 



Define leucocythaemia. 



It is a general disease, rather chronic in its course, character- 

 ized by an increase of the white cells, with an enlargement of the 

 spleen, lymphatics, and marrow of the bone. 



