ENTERITIS. 489 



point out only the most common forms of this disease and give 

 their distinctive characteristics and general treatment. 



Mucous enteritis is attended with a diffuse soreness over the 

 whole abdomen, rather than with pain. This is sometimes in- 

 creased on pressure, but never to the extent that prevails in serous 

 entei^itis. There is no considerable tension in the belly. The 

 pulse is quick, with thirst, /anguor, the tongue whitish and pap- 

 pillated, and considerable febrile oppression, the temperature of 

 the body being 80° to 84°, rarely 90". Vomiting is frequently 

 noticed, with loss of appetite, indigestion, and irregularity in the 

 alvine evacuations. Diarrhoea is almost uniformly present, often 

 attended with straining and perhaps tinged with blood. This zs 

 the only diarrhcea of cajiincs worthy of especial atte7tf ion, and must 

 not be treated as a diarrhosa. Remove the cause and the diarrha'a 

 will take care of itself. This disease is not itself fatal, but may 

 give rise to peritoneal inflammation ; it may advance to ulceration 

 of the mucous coat with softening and perforation. Gentle pur- 

 gatives, as sweet oil and aloine only, are admissible. (No. 8). 

 Demulcents and anodynes are afterwards used to allay the irrita- 

 tion of the bowels, (No. 9) and tonics may be used when this has 

 been accomplished. Blue moss and extract of hyoscyamus con- 

 stitute a very serviceable medicine in allaying irritation, but must 

 be used with caution. Aconite is also serviceable particularly 

 when the disease remains unnoticed until it has assumed its 

 severer forms. The diet must be milk and soups, and change of 

 air with gentle exercise are necessary. 



Sec. No. 8. 9. 10. and 11. Particular symptoms as vomiting and 

 tenesimus,* must be met as occasion demands. Sec. 12. 13. 14. 



The second form of inflammation of the bowels, in which the 

 serous and muscular coats of the intestine are involved, is known 

 as peritonitis. 



The symptoms of this disease are much like the former, but 

 are more intensified. The eyes are dull, and there is a general 

 appearance of languor ; loss of appetite ; the animal lying on the 

 belly with outstretched legs ; high temperature, reaching 100'' and 

 over ; tongue dry and rough ; nose dry and hot ; ears and legs 

 cold ; pulse small, hard and wiiy, about 45, marked thirst ; respi- 



• Frequent straining accompanied by a desire to void Ijecal matter, etc. 

 21* 



