428 
SPLRNITIS IN THE OX. 
disappears, but only to return anew when the cause that first 
produced it is again called into action. 
Its principal symptom—swelling of the belly in the left hypo¬ 
chondriacal region and flank—may be confounded with disten¬ 
tion of the paunch ; but an attentive observer will easily recog¬ 
nize the dift'erence between the two diseases. The enlargement 
of the spleen elevates the last false ribs and the left flank, but 
never so suddenly, nor to such an extent, as the hoove. It 
yields on percussion a dull and heavy sound; a different one from 
that which is given when the stomach is distended. The anus 
also protrudes in hoove, and the urine is discharged drop by 
drop. In splenitis, the respiration is a little more frequent than 
in its natural state; is neither short nor spasmodic, but there is 
some difficulty in walking : rumination takes place only at inter¬ 
vals ; the fseces are irregularly discharged, and of an uncertain 
character. Irritation of the stomach and intestines soon suc¬ 
ceeds ; and often gastro-enteritis is complicated with splenitis. 
Splenitis is sometimes of short duration. The enlargement 
disappears as rapidly as it was formed ; the ox ruminates, and 
does not seem to have suffered much by this first attack : but 
the affair is already serious, for that organ is disposed to a second 
determination of blood to it. The same cause being called into 
action, the disease returns; and, on account of the extraordinary 
passiveness of the vessels of the spleen, there probably is not 
sufficient time for it perfectly to disgorge itself. 
Inflammation of the spleen appears generally in cold and wet 
seasons, when the animals are severely worked ; and when they 
are harnessed immediately after they have fed, and before they 
have had time to ruminate, and are compelled to exert all their 
strength with the paunch surcharged with food. The natural 
determination of the blood towards the organs of digestion is 
thus increased ; and as the substance of the spleen is soft and 
relaxed, the blood easily penetrates it, and is with difficulty dis¬ 
charged. 
If their work terminates so that rumination may take place, 
a portion of the blood escapes, and the swelling disappears. 
The first attack is followed by a second, until congestion is suc¬ 
ceeded by or produces inflammation. This inflammation is 
sometimes slight; at other times it is exceedingly intense, and 
speedily terminates in rupture of the organ and death. 
Splenitis takes its character from the nature of its cause, ac¬ 
cordingly as it is of momentary duration, acute, simple, com¬ 
plicated, intermittent, or chronic. It is usually too hard work 
that produces spleen in an animal as full of blood as the ox; 
and it seldom appears in cattle that are out at pasture, or 
that are moderately worked. 
