SPLENIC HYPERTROPHY IN HORSES.
Causes. It occurs as the result of mechanical obstruction of the posterior vena cava as noticed by Varnell, from obstruction in the splenic artery or veins by Ellenberger and Schütz, as the result of an angioma by Martin, as the result of the morbid hyperplasias in specific diseases—glanders, tuberculosis—taking place in the spleen or lungs and thus directly or indirectly causing chronic congestion of the spleen (Morot, Leisering, Nocard, Varnell) and again as the result of innervation, in disease of the splenic plexus of nerves (Varnell).
Lesions. The increase in size may be enormous (42 lbs. (Bouret and Druille), 92 lbs. (Cunningham), and over 100 lbs. (Girard)). The consistency is varied. There may be such a redundancy of blood and splenic pulp that the capsule is distended to its utmost or even ruptured (Peuch). In other cases the splenic veins have given way and the blood has poured out into the abdomen with fatal result (Crafts, Cunningham, Reis). In other cases the spleen is enlarged, unevenly swollen and indurated by the formation of angioma (Jacob), lymphadenoma, glander or tuberculous nodules. In still others the capsule and fibrous framework are greatly thickened and the substance of the organ has assumed the consistency of the hepatized lung (Rodet).
Symptoms. These are suggestive rather than diagnostic. Most prominent is the condition of the blood with excess of leucocytes and especially of the eosinophile cells. Weakness, emaciation, feebleness of pulse, bloodlessness, bleeding from the nose or other natural passages, are attendant symptoms. In cases of extreme hypertrophy distension of the abdomen is marked and even the enlarged spleen may be made out by palpation, there may be special tenderness and dullness on percussion. Even partial sweats over the region of the spleen (Cadeac), and stretching with the fore feet far in advance (Welsby) have been noted as symptoms. In such conditions the animal walks stiffly, groans in turning, or when suddenly started and is with difficulty urged beyond a walk. There may be ascites, signs of colic, or irregularity of the bowels. Rectal exploration may reveal the hypertrophy.
Treatment is usually the treatment of the primary disease. In glanders, tuberculosis, lymphadenoma, or leucocythemia there is little to hope for. Nor is there much in hepatic cirrhosis, obstruction of the vena cava or valvular disease of the heart. In simple hypertrophy we may resort to quinia or other bitters, eucalyptus, saline laxatives, exercise in the open air and sunshine, and local currents of electricity.