THE DIGESTIVE SYSTEM 27 



Treatment. The pain should be relieved by de- 

 mulcent drinks, gastric lavage, and enemas, combined 

 with anodynes. The medication of swine, especially of 

 mature animals, is not an easy matter. 



Chronic Gastritis 



Chronic gastritis is of rather frequent occurrence in 

 hogs and may be the result of irritation by the Ar duenna 

 strongylina. 



Lesions. The anatomical changes in the stomach 

 consist of a fibrous proliferation which may destroy the 

 gland tissues or obstruct their ducts, resulting in the 

 formation of small cysts. The mucosa is usually attenu- 

 ated, due to atrophy of the mucous membrane. As a 

 rule there is some ulceration and not infrequently the 

 capacity of the stomach is diminished, due to the con- 

 traction of the newly formed fibrous tissues. 



Symptoms. The symptoms of chronic gastritis of 

 swine are not distinct. There is variation of appetite. 

 Vomition immediately after eating may or may not be 

 present. Affected animals are unthrifty as a result of 

 nutritive disturbances. 



This is essentially a chronic disease, the courses 

 varying from a few weeks to months. Prognosis is 

 favorable as to the life of the animal, but unfavorable 

 as to the relief of the condition. 



Treatment. Treatment consists in strictly limiting 

 the diet to easily digested foods, and the maintenance of 

 a laxative condition of the bowels. 



Dilatation 



Dilatation of the stomach may be acute or chronic. 



Acute Gastric Dilatation 



Acute dilatation is a condition resulting from a rapid 

 distention of the stomach, a condition not very common 

 in swine. 



Etiology. Acute dilatation is usually due to over- 

 loading the stomach. It is most frequently caused by 



