The liver of the cat is subject to several diseases, but there is one of a more purely functional nature; namely congestion, which leads to, as a rule, the development of a symptom known as jaundice or the yellows, due to bile pigments circulating in the blood and tinging the mucous membranes and skin saffron. In some cases the fault lies in the bile duct, which, if obstructed, partially or completely, leads to the flow of bile being dammed back into the circulation. The cat becomes sluggish; its coat stares; its bowels are constipated; its skin is yellow; eyes and mouth yellow: and, unless attended to, it dies.

Organic disease of the liver may cause also symptoms of jaundice.

Treatment

Apply a hot linseed poultice (contained in a muslin bag) over the liver, and follow this up with

5 grains of Epsom salt 1 „ „ Calomel given in the form of a pill, pushed well back into the throat. Also give, night and morning, 5 grains of chloride of ammonia in the form of a sugar-coated pill.

If vomiting is troublesome give 10 grains of powdered bismuth in a teaspoonful of soda-water, three times a day.

Other symptoms must be treated accordingly. Feed on boiled fish and a little milk whey. The cat may take it; or soda-water and milk can be given.