THE DIGESTIVE SYSTEM 37 



submucosa. Small retention cysts representing occluded 

 glands may be present. The covering epithelium of 

 the mucous membrane is attenuated and sometimes 

 erosions, or even ulcerations, are observed. 



Symptoms. Irregular appetite, alternation of con- 

 stipation and diarrhea, rough coat, emaciation, and 

 malnutrition characterize chronic intestinal catarrh. 

 The foregoing symptoms tend to persist, as the disease 

 may continue for weeks. 



Treatment. A proper diet combined with good 

 surroundings are prerequisites for the successful treat- 

 ment of cases of chronic intestinal catarrh. Regulation 

 of the bowels, with maintenance of the proper con- 

 sistency of the fecal matter, is highly important. Treat- 

 ment must be persistent, as success will be attained 

 only by a long-continued course of treatment, combined 

 with the proper diet. 



Croupous and Diptheritic Enteritis 



Croupous enteritis probably occurs in swine, but is 

 rather uncommon, while diphtheritic enteritis is fairly 

 common. 



Etiology The most common cause of diphtheritic 

 enteritis is the Bacillus necrophorous, although some 

 caustic chemicals may produce the condition. 



Lesions. The lesions of diphtheritic enteritis usually 

 occur in circumscribed areas or foci, although these may 

 be disseminated over a large area of mucous membrane. 

 In the i beginning the affected portion is intensely red 

 and tumefied, and later a coagulated exudate occurs 

 upon the surface. This exudate is first of a dirty white 

 or gray color, but may become brown or brownish-red 

 and is not easily detached. After the condition has 

 persisted for some time the affected areas have a scaly 

 appearance due to the fact that the exudate becomes 

 loose and later desquamates. 



Symptoms. Colicky pains, restlessness, drooping 

 ears and tail, increased thirst, usually diminished appetite, 

 rise of temperature, and constipation alternating with 



