272 Atony (.f the F..rH-st..mnclis. 



depression in the left Hank, and the absence of gas and masses 

 of feed in tlie rnnien; in gastro-intestinal inflammation, tliere 

 are from the start signs of grave general disturbance present. 

 If, however, acute gastro-intestinal catarrh or gastro-intestinal 

 inflammation have developed in consequence of atony of the 

 fore-stomachs, then the history only can clear up the case. 



It is usually easy to decide whether primary or secondary 

 atony of the fore-stomachs is present if one considers the history 

 of the case, the condition of the other organs, and also the 

 manner in which the affection is influenced by treatment. 

 Gastric atony may be assumed to be due to compression by 

 the pregnant uterus, when towards the end of gestation disturb- 

 ance of digestion develops gradually without any errors of diet 

 and when the uterus is unusually large. Prolapse of the 

 omasum into the thorax produces a dull or tympanitic sound 

 upon percussion of the lower third of the thorax on one or 

 on both sides, while in place of the absent respiratory sound, 

 strong peristaltic movements may be heard (Harms) ; there 

 are also occasionally circulatory disturbances such as dila- 

 tion of the jugular vein, diminution of the apex sound on one 

 side (Lienaux) ; these are due to compression of the heart. 

 In cases of secondary gastric atony one may observe the 

 symptoms of chronic disease of the liver, lungs or heart or those 

 of subacute or chronic peritonitis. However, frequently the 

 seat of the primary affection cannot be recognized in the living 

 animal. 



The early recognition of traumatic gastritis which is indeed 

 only a special form of secondary gastric atony is very im- 

 portant. Aside from the tenderness to pressure of the region 

 of the omasum which is frequently present, and the sudden 

 onset of obstinate gastric disturbances without any apparent 

 cause, which will resist any and every treatment, the appearance 

 of spontaneous pains after drugs which stimulate gastric move- 

 ments (see page 282) point to a traumatic gastritis. Some- 

 times only the further course brings enlightenment, especially 

 the subsequent affection of the pericardium, the pleurae, the 

 lungs and the subcutaneous connective tissue in the sternal 

 region. 



Prognosis. This depends primarily upon whether a 

 primary or a secondary atony exists, upon the duration of the 

 disease and upon the general nutrition of the animal. Primary 

 gastric atony can generally be cured by timely treatment and 

 proper regulation of diet. The prognosis of secondary atony 

 depends upon whether the underlying primary disease is 

 curable or not. Atony due to gestation usually disappears 

 a few days after parturition, but even in this form death may 

 occasionally occur (Eber, Frascli). 



Aside from the last mentioned form of gastric atony, re- 

 covery cannot be looked for after the disease has lasted for 



