188 ACUTE INFLAMMATION OF THE GASTRIC COMPARTMENTS. 



to emphasise the view that the condition is not a primary and isolated 

 inflammation. 



Symptoms. The symptoms are always vague and very difficult 

 clearly to define. 



Inflammation of the omasum is indicated by relative loss of appetite, 

 marked thirst, general atony, and diffuse and vague sensitiveness in the 

 inferior half of the right hypochondrium (zone of the asternal ribs). 

 There are no pathognomonic symptoms. 



Obstruction has also been described as accompanied by loss of 

 appetite, constipation, the passage of black, coated, foetid and sometimes 

 blood-streaked faeces, symjDtoms of chronic tympanites with foetid eructa- 

 tions and sometimes vomiting. These sometimes accompany hydrochloric 

 acid dyspepsia, a form of chronic gastritis, and, from our standpoint, the 

 stagnation of food in the omasum is only secondary. We therefore 

 interpret the facts in quite a different manner, and believe that only by 

 a rational and physiological interpretation of the symptoms observed can 

 one diagnose the condition. 



Diagnosis. The diagnosis of inflammation of the omasum can only 

 be made by a process of exclusion ; and although w^e are admittedly 

 dealing with a condition secondary to disturbance of the rumen and 

 reticulum, or on the other hand consecutive to inflammatory states or 

 to modifications in the secretion of the abomasum (dyspepsia), the 

 diagnosis does not present insuperable difficulties. 



The prognosis is only grave when the primary acute or chronic 

 conditions of the other gastric compartments are serious. 



The lesions comprise abnormal vascularity of the mucous membrane 

 and desquamation, and even gangrene, of the leaves. The partially 

 digested food is not passed on, becomes dry and hard, and in time 

 aggravates the local condition. 



The treatment does not essentially differ from that of other gastric 

 inflammations. The object to be attained is to evacuate as completely as 

 possible, not only the omasum, but all the gastric reservoirs, for which 

 purpose one may freely administer demulcent drinks — linseed gruel, 

 bran mashes and lukewarm liquids containing laxatives. At first such 

 alkaloids as arecolin and pilocarpine may be subcutaneously injected 

 to ensure energetic and speedy evacuation. 



Later on slightly stimulant aromatic infusions, like infusions of sage, 

 peppermint, hyssop, thyme, etc., stimulate the functions of the stomach 

 and hasten the return of normal conditions. 



ACUTE GASTRITIS. 



The term " acute gastritis," sometimes " gastro-enteritis," is used 

 in bovine pathology to indicate inflammation of the abomasum. If this 



