150 DISEASES OF THE LIVER 



in the destruction of all echinococcus cysts found on post- 

 mortem and the use of taeniafuges to drive out the adult 

 parasite in dogs. 



RUPTURE OF THE LIVER. 



Definition. — Rupture of the liver with hemorrhage into the 

 abdominal cavity.' 



Etiology. — The causes are generally traumatic (falls, kicks, 

 jumping, overexertion, etc.) or more rarely rupture may 

 occur spontaneously from fatty liver, carcinoma of the liver, 

 or in primary or secondary (anthrax, purpura) hepatitis. It 

 can result from amyloid liver and embolism. Phosphorus , 

 poisoning may also be a cause. 



Symptoms. — The symptoms of rupture of the liver attended 

 by marked hemorrhage are those of internal hemorrhage, such 

 as pale mucous membranes, imperceptible pulse, general 

 sweating and staggering gait. Death usually ensues in about 

 one to ten hours. Small hemorrhages may heal under cicat- 

 rization. 



Treatment. — Treatment is rarely successful unless the hem- 

 orrhage is relatively slight. Recommended are subcutaneous 

 doses of ergot (5ij), hydrastis or adrenalin (1 to 5 c.c. of a 

 1 to 1000 solution for each 250 pounds body weight). To 

 strengthen the heart oil of camphor may be given. 



NECROSIS OF THE LIVER. 



Definition. — A multiple necrosis of the liver is a process 

 characterized on necropsy by pea- to walnut-sized dry, yellow, 

 circumscribed centres in the livers of cattle, swine and sheep. 

 It is due to the necrosis bacillus. Fibrinous peritonitis fre- 

 quently attends the condition. 



Symptoms. — The symptoms are very vague and consist in an 

 enlargement of the liver, sensitiveness over the region of the 

 liver, high fever, languor, disturbance in appetite, alternating 

 constipation and diarrhea. 



Treatment. — The disorder which can be rarely diagnosed 

 does not yield to treatment. 



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