28 SWINE DISEASES 



the ingestion of large quantities of indigestible substances, 

 or of foods that are easily and extensively fermentable. 



Lesions. The lesions observed in acute dilatation 

 consist of enlargement, the walls being very much attenu- 

 ated. Rupture of the stomach may occur in the greater 

 curvature. 



Symptoms. The evidences of acute dilatation are 

 the same as those of overloading of the stomach. Rest- 

 lessness, succeeded by vomiting, is the usual sign observed 

 in the early stages of a limited dilatation. In some 

 instances the walls of the stomach become so thin due 

 to extreme distension, that vomition is Hot possible, 

 and such cases are evidenced by gagging, salivation, and 

 bloating, if the distension is due to foods that readily 

 ferment. Extreme distension produces distress and 

 expressions of pain. 



Diagnosis. Diagnosis of gastric dilatation is depend- 

 ent upon history and the symptoms indicated above. 

 Prognosis should be guarded, as the possibility of rupture 

 must always be considered. 



Treatment. When the dilatation is not too great, 

 the treatment should be largely confined to removal of 

 the gastric content by emetics, and to lavage when the 

 dilatation is extensive and likely to result in rupture. 



Chronic Gastric Dilatation 



Chronic gastric dilatation is not common in swine 

 but has been observed. Accumulation of indigestible 

 substances is the usual cause of the trouble. Occasional 

 cases have been observed where there was a sufficient 

 accumulation of hair in the stomach to permanently 

 dilate it beyond the normal capacity. 



Symptoms. The usual evidences of chronic gastric 

 dilatation consist of irregular appetite, associated with 

 unthriftiness. The stomach is distended, and may con- 

 tain various foreign bodies or indigestible substances. 

 The gastric mucosa is usually affected with chronic 

 catarrh. 



