SPLENIC HYPERTROPHY IN RUMINANTS.
A moderate hypertrophy is the rule in the case of cattle which have passed through the Southern cattle fever, but have continued to live within the area of its prevalence. Gamgee’s observations in 1868 were very conclusive on this point. In over 1,000 western cattle the average weight of the spleen was 1.45 ℔., in 441 Cherokee (Indian Territory) cattle the average was 2.34 ℔s., and in 262 Texas cattle the average was 2.66 ℔s. All these animals were killed for beef, in what was considered to be perfect health. The difference relative to the weight of the entire animal is even greater than is indicated above, for at that date even more than at present, the Texas steer was a small and thin animal in comparison with the portly western bullock.
In lymphadenoma the organ may weigh 24 ℔s. (Tannenhauser); in simple hypertrophy it has been found to weigh 37 ℔s. (Koch). There was usually a marked increase in the size and number of the Paccinian bodies, and hyperplasia of the fibrous reticulum, while the pulp might be deficient and the cut surface rather dry. The adjacent lymph glands are usually enlarged.
Symptoms. Unless in the case of excessive increase, no symptom is usually observable, apart from leucocythæmia. With enormous hypertrophy the enlarged organ may be recognized by palpation, percussion, and perhaps rectal exploration.
Treatment is unsatisfactory apart from the control and arrest of the primary diseases. For simple hypertrophy, bitters, laxatives and electricity may be tried.