This disease is called in some parts of the country Golden Pheasant, from its distinguishing and characteristic symptom being yellowness of the mucous membrane.

It generally follows low debilitating diseases, such as pleuro-pueumonia, but it may also occur as an idiopathic from various causes, the most common being the obstruction of the bile-ducts of the liver. It may also occur by the muscles of the vital circulation becoming engorged.

This disease approaches much more rapidly in the human subject than in the lower animals; of course the causes that produce it are generally intensified the higher up the scale we go.

Symptoms

Intense yellowness of the mucous membranes, the skin partaking of the same yellow tinge, quick pulse, appetite and bowels very irregular, the latter sometimes constipated, the feces glassy, urine copious and of a brown colour; the milk, if any, also partakes of the same nature as the urine in colour.

Treatment

Saline purges with calomel; if no effect be produced, repeat the dose upon the following day, and give salt with plenty of fluids until the bowels are freely moved. If the patient is weak give stimulants and tonics, with repeated injections; great benefit may also be derived from employing formula already recommended in Acute Hepatitis.

Post-Mortem Appearances

The fat, flesh, blood, liver, all partake of a yellow-brown tinge.