DISEASES OF THE DIGESTIVE SYSTEM. 201 



AMYLOID LIVER. 



Give the synonyms. 



Waxy liver; lardaceous liver. 



What is the morbid anatomy ? 



This is often seen following long standing suppuration, either 

 of the lungs or of bones. The amyloid liver is large, and is solid, 

 firm, resistant. On section it is anaemic and has a semi-translucent 

 and infiltrated appearance. If a solution of iodine be applied, the 

 infiltrated areas assume a rich mahogany brown color. There are 

 no characteristic symptoms of this condition, and it is only of in- 

 terest on post-mortem examination. 



In these cases, where the liver is large, we should be careful 

 not to mistake it for a case of leucocythaemia; in the latter disease 

 examine the blood. 



What is the treatment? 



There are no specifics. 



Calcium phosphate, iodide of iron, ammonium chloride, tonics, 

 etc., are indicated. 



FATTY LIVER. 



Give the synonym. 



Jecur adiposum. 



What are the forms? 



There are two forms of fatty liver, fatty infiltration and fatty 

 degeneration. 



Define each. 



Fatty infiltration occurs in normal livers, since the cells always 

 contain minute globules of oil. In this condition there is an over- 

 abundance of fat in the cells. 



In fatty degeneration, which is less common, the substance of 

 the liver-cells is destroyed, and fat takes its place. 



What are the causes? 



Fatty liver may occur in an animal that is fat, in which case 

 the liver seems to act as a storehouse of the excessive amount of 

 fat. It may occur where the oxidation processes are interfered with, 

 as in anaemia. Certain poisons, as phosphorus, produce fatty de- 

 generation with a destruction of the liver-cells. 



