DISEASES OF THE LIVER
GENERAL DISCUSSION.--The liver is one of the most important glands of the
body, as well as the largest. Because of its physiological influence over
the functions of the kidneys, intestines, and body in general and the
varied functions that it possesses, it is frequently affected by functional
disorders.
All of the blood that comes directly from the intestine is received by the
liver. It secretes the bile, neutralizes many of the poisonous substances
and end products of digestion that are taken up by the absorbing vessels of
the intestine, and acts as a storehouse for the glycogen.
It can be readily understood from this brief statement of the nature of the
liver functions, that any functional disorder of the liver may be far
reaching in its effect. In many of the diseases that involve other organs,
the liver may be primarily affected. It is difficult to diagnose functional
disorders of the liver that are responsible for a diseased condition of
some other body organ. A knowledge of the physiology and pathology of the
liver is of the greatest importance in the diagnosis of this class of
disorders.
In the larger domestic animals, symptoms of liver diseases are more obscure
than in the small animals. In certain parasitic diseases and in mixed and
specific infectious diseases, the liver may show marked pathological
changes.
COMMON CAUSES OF LIVER DISORDERS.--Domestic animals commonly live under
very unnatural conditions. Ill results do not follow unless these
conditions are so extreme as to violate practically all of the health laws.
Pampered animals are especially prone to liver disorders. The feeding of
too heavy and too concentrated a ration together with insufficient exercise
is one of the most common causes of disorders of the liver. The feeding of
a ration that is unsuitable for that particular species is a common source
of disease in animals. For example, the feeding to carnivora of a ration
made up largely of starchy feed, and the feeding of a ration containing an
excessive quantity of protein to herbivorous animals may result in
intestinal, liver and nervous disorders. Spoiled feed may prove highly
injurious. Catarrhal inflammation of the intestine and intestinal parasites
may obstruct the bile duct, and interfere seriously with the functions of
the liver.
_Symptoms_.--In diseases of the liver the appetite is irregular or the
animal refuses to eat, is constipated, or has diarrhoea. The faeces may be
grayish colored or foul smelling. Colicky pains are sometimes manifested.
Usually the animal acts dull and weak. A raise in body temperature may be
noted. The visible mucous membranes may appear yellowish- or brownish-red in
color.
_Treatment_.--Animals grazing over well drained pastures that are free from
injurious weeds and provided with plenty of drinking water, seldom develop
diseases of the liver. Exercise, a natural diet and plenty of clean water,
as well as preventing liver disorders, may be classed among the most
important of all curative agents. Laxatives or cathartics, such as oils,
salts, aloes, and calomel, in small doses may be given. We prefer the
administration of oil or aloes to horses, Glauber's or Epsom salts to
ruminants, and calomel to dogs. The administration of minimum doses of
these drugs, and repeating the dose after a short interval, is preferable
to large doses. Alkaline tonics are also indicated. The following mixture
may be given: bicarbonate of soda, sulfate of soda and common salt, eight
ounces of each, and powdered gentian and sulfate of iron, four ounces of
each. Large animals may be given a small tablespoonful of this mixture with
the feed three times a day. The dose for sheep and hogs is one teaspoonful.
A very light, easily digested ration should be fed.
QUESTIONS
1. What can be said of the importance of the liver?
2. Tell something of its duties as a gland.
3. In what animals are liver troubles most conspicuous when present?
4. Give causes of liver disorders.
5. What are the symptoms?
6. What are the most important natural cures?
7. What rule may be given for adapting suitable laxatives to different
classes of animals?