It is stated by some that chronic hepatitis may be a sequel of acute inflammation of the liver. This seems probable, and yet from the peculiar nature of the disorder, in but few cases can the point of departure from the normal to the morbid changes be traced with sufficient accuracy to assign a cause beyond a reasonable doubt.

Symptoms

The disease as a rule gives rise to few or no symptoms which point to the liver as the seat of disease, prior to the occurrence of abdominal enlargement. Preceding this manifestation the appetite is usually lessened, the manner of the animal often dull and heavy, and ' emaciation is progressive. As loss of weight persists the abdomen becomes distended, rendering the general appearance highly characteristic of the disease.

In the majority of cases the tongue becomes white, and the mucous membrane of the mouth and lips loses its healthy color, becoming pale and yellowish. Jaundice in a certain degree occurs in some cases, it is however rarely very marked.

The breath is usually offensive; the eyes are dull and heavy. Vomiting is quite frequent, the matter ejected often greenish. The urine is scanty and high colored, and the bowels constipated. As emaciation progresses the skin becomes thickened, rough, and scaly; the hair dry and brashy. Until the abdominal distension is sufficient to mechanically interfere with respiration, the breathing is unchanged. The pulse varies but little until late in the disease.

In certain cases instead of enlargement of the liver it may be reduced in size; the distension which then occurs is due to abdominal dropsy.

Diagnosis

It ought not be difficult to make a correct diagnosis after important changes commence in the liver. If that organ is enlarged its outlines may be traced by firm pressure with the hand, and the shape of the abdomen is characteristic. When the animal is on his feet the enlargement is carried higher, and there is not that pendulous or hanging down appearance noted in dropsy, the disease with which chronic hepatitis may be confounded. In the former affection the shape of the abdomen would not be retained when the animal lies down, while in the latter it would remain much the same.

In dropsy occurring independent of liver affections, the abdomen is rarely alone involved; other parts are soon affected by the disease. When Jaundice appears, other symptoms being present, the diagnosis if previously doubtful ought to be made with reasonable certainty.

Prognosis

The disease if extended is incurable. Something may be done in some cases to improve the animal and arrest the progress of the affection, but the result of efforts must generally prove unsatisfactory.

Treatment

No specific treatment can be suggested. Remedies should be addressed to the general system rather than the local affection. Tonics and nutritious food are indicated to combat depressing influences, and symptoms of prominence demand individual treatment.

If the animal is debilitated, ferruginous tonics promise the better results; the tincture of the chloride, or the syrup of the iodide of iron may be given three times a day in fifteen drop doses.

Mercury is an agent which theory would suggest in chronic disorders of the liver. In this disease it should be given a fair trial, and the effects carefully watched. To obviate any depressing influence it may exert, iron may be combined and given as follows. -

℞ Mass. Hydrarg. gr.x.

Ferri Sulph. Exsic. gr.xxx Ft. Pil. No. xxx. Sig. Dose one three times daily. During the use of the pills all other medicine should be discontinued and the mercurial be given a fair trial. If the results are negative the treat-ment should not be prolonged.

When constipation exists a laxative rather than a cathartic should be given, but only when needed. Podophyllin is a remedy advised by some; it is inferred that their reasons of its use is some theory they entertain that it has a specific action on the liver. There do not appear sufficient grounds to affirm that the drug has any such special powers.

For the purpose of overcoming constipation the following pills are advised. -

℞ Extract. Aloes ℥ ss.

Ext. Colchici Acct. gr.x.

Pulv. Ipecac. gr.x.

Ext. Taraxaci. ℥ i.

Ft. Pil. No. xx. Sig. Dose one at night.