290 DISEASES OF THE DIGESTIVE APPARATUS. 



brownish-gray color ; sometimes the serous membrane is covered 

 with plastic exudations. 



The amyloid centres may be distributed regularly or irregularly ; 

 in the chicken they are found in the shape of small disseminated 

 spots (Leisering). Microscopical examination shows that the walls 

 of the hepatic capillary and mainly the interlobular vessels are 

 thickened, homogeneous, and transparent. The hepatic cells ex- 

 ceptionally participate in the amyloid degeneration (Johne) ; on the 

 other hand, they are always found atrophied and infiltrated with 

 fat. Outside of the liver we often find amyloid degeneration in 

 the spleen, the kidneys, and the intestine (Bruckmuller, Rivolta, 

 Rabe). Amyloid degeneration may be revealed through chemical 

 process ; Lugol's solution of iodine colors the hepatic substance a 

 red brown or mahogany red ; if diluted sulphuric acid is then used, 

 we obtain a tint varying from bluish gray to violet blue ; methyl- 

 violet gives a red aniline color. 



Symptoms. They are very vague. We may suspect the dis- 

 ease when tumefaction of the liver is established, or albuminuria 

 (amyloid kidney) and symptoms of cachexia. The icterus is far 

 from being constant. Rupture of the liver, which is accompanied by 

 internal hemorrhagic symptoms, is quite a common complication. 



Treatment. It is almost always insufficient. It has to be 

 applied according to the causes which have determined the hepatic 

 lesion. In cases where amyloid degeneration was the consequence 

 of an improper diet, Werner has obtained favorable results by 

 having the food modified. 



CARCINOMA OP THE LIVER. 



Pathological anatomy. Carcinoma of the liver is either pri^ 

 mary or secondary^ It is quite often found in old fat dogs ; it is 

 rarer in the horse and other domestic animals. The liver is hyper- 

 trophied ; its surface is uneven and irregular ; the organ is filled 

 with miliary nodules, and more voluminous neoformatious reaching 

 fometimes the size of the fist ; they are sometimes isolated, at other 

 times confluent or gathered in series, usually of a soft consistence 

 and a clear yellow color. These neoplasms are often richly vascu- 

 larized ; the centre is softened or calcified. When carcinoma of 

 the liver is secondary we find tumors in the portal system, in the 

 spleen, kidneys, pancreas, omentum, lungs, etc. 



