CIRRHOSIS IN THE DOG.
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.