In the dog, cirrhosis is much more common than in the larger animals, in
connection with idle pampered habits, the frequency of diseased heart
and consequent disturbance of the circulation, and the presence of
parasites in the liver or biliary ducts. Bacteria intoxication and
infection are also common.
_Lesions._ The liver is at first tumefied, with hard consistency and
rounded edges, and a deep brownish red color, but this is modified by
the grayish fibroid hyperplasia which is especially abundant in and
around the vaginal sheaths of the capsule of Glisson. In cases arising
from diseased right heart or lungs the induration is rather concentrated
around the hepatic veins. The contraction and shrinking of the fibroid
hyperplasia as the disease advances causes the projection of the hepatic
tissue in minute rounded elevations which give a peculiar uneven
appearance to the surface of the organ. The fibroid growth gives a
remarkable hardness to the liver which resists even the edge of a knife.
The hepatic cells are the seat of fatty and pigmentary degeneration.
Inflammation and tumefaction of the kidneys, and ascites are common
features of the malady.
_Symptoms._ The general symptoms are as in parenchymatous hepatitis with
a more tardy development. There are impaired or irregular appetite,
dullness, sluggishness, in an obese animal short-windedness or
palpitations on slight exertion, symptoms of disease of the heart, lungs
or digestive organs, a spasmodic cough, constipation followed by
relaxation of the bowels, nausea and vomiting. As the disease advances
tenderness of the loins, the passage of brownish or reddish, albuminous
urine, the formation of ascites and of gastro-intestinal catarrh may be
noticed. Icterus may be entirely absent, but, with a flaccid abdomen,
enlarged liver and spleen may be detected.
_Treatment._ The indications are to first combat the causes.
Irregularities in the heart’s action may be met by digitalis or
strophanthus; gastro-intestinal catarrh by a carefully regulated diet,
with mineral acids and bitters; portal congestion by a free use of water
and other diluents and by saline laxatives; intestinal fermentations by
antiferments (salol, naphthol) and toxic matters in the blood by
alkaline diuretics. For the liver hyperplasia, potassium iodide may be
freely used. Blisters to the right side will occasionally prove useful.
The ascitic fluid must be drawn off when it accumulates. A diet of milk,
bread and milk, buttermilk and mush, or one in which albuminoid elements
are in minimum amount and the action of which is laxative is to be
preferred. Out door exercise is desirable.