CHAPTER V. 

 DISEASES OF THE LIVER. 



JAUNDICE. ICTERUS. 



Definition. — Jaundice, or icterus, is a condition due to the 

 deposit of bile pigment in the organs of the body, especially in 

 the skin and mucous membranes. Jaundice is a symptom 

 and not a disease, and may be due to a variety of conditions. 

 From a pathological standpoint three forms of jaundice are 

 distinguished: (a) catarrhal jaundice, (b) hepatogenous 

 jaundice, and (c) toxic jaundice. 



From a clinical standpoint three types of jaundice are 

 differentiable: (a) obstructive jaundice, (b) malignant 

 jaundice, and (c) jaundice of the newborn. 



Obstructive Jaundice. — Definition. — Obstructive jaundice, 

 sometimes called catarrhal icterus, is the commonest form' 

 in animals, especially dogs, and is usually associated with a 

 gastro-intestinal catarrh which involves the duodenum, 

 leading to a tumefaction of the mucosa of the bile ducts. 

 As a result the bile cannot be properly eliminated; therefore 

 some of it is resorbed by the blood. Obstruction by foreign 

 bodies within the ducts (parasites, rarely gall-stones) may 

 be a cause. Obviously, tumors, enlarged lymph glands, or 

 even fecal accumulation, provided they press upon the 

 ducts, can have the same effect. The icterus seen in influ- 

 enza of the horse is probably the result of catarrh of the 

 bile ducts, although it may be in part toxemic. 



Symptoms. — Obstructive jaundice usually begins with 

 symptoms of digestive disturbances (gastro-intestinal 

 catarrh). Later there develops a tinting of the mucous 

 membranes, skin, and urine. The color ranges from a 

 lemon yellow (catarrhal icterus) to a deep olive green in 

 permanent obstruction (malignant icterus). In the urine 



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