_Active_ congestion is very rare excepting in over-fed and indolent
family pets. _Passive_ congestion induced by diseases of the lungs and
heart is however far from uncommon.
_Lesions._ True to their origin these usually appear as the spotted
nutmeg liver with the deep congestion in the centre of the acini. For
the same reason the fibroid degenerations shown in chronic cases, show
the firm fibroid neoplasm chiefly around the hepatic veins. Granular,
fatty and pigmentary degeneration of the cells are found as in the
solipeds.
_Symptoms._ These are as obscure as in the horse. There is always a
history of a sluggish, gourmandizing life, and in the early stages, a
manifestation of embonpoint which suggests a torpid liver. Further
suggestions may also be obtained from coexisting diseases of the lungs,
or heart, from gastro-intestinal catarrh, from piles, or ascites. Then
there is at times a slight icterus of the conjunctiva and urine. Finally
tenderness on percussion on the right hypochondrium, decubitus on the
left side, and an increased area of dullness on percussion may afford
useful hints for diagnosis.
_Treatment._ In the rare cases due to infection from the intestine, an
active saline purgative followed by antiseptics (salol, naphthalin,
naphthol, etc.,) daily will be of value. It is also desirable to keep up
the action of the bowels by morning doses of salines. In cases
consequent on chest disease attention must be given to such primary
trouble. In all cases a restricted laxative diet, and graduated but
increasing exercise in the open air are demanded.