DISEASES OF THE DIGESTIVE SYSTEM 45 



If the presence of intestinal worms is suspected, the necessary 

 treatment for ridding the animal of these parasites should be 

 resorted to. 



Bitter or saline tonics should be administered in the feed 

 when necessary. The followini;; formula is useful as a digestive 

 tonic : sodium bicarbonate and sodium sulfate, one pound of 

 each, powdered gentian one-half pound, and oil meal five pounds. 

 A small handful of this mixture may be given with the feed two 

 or three times daily. 



Inflammation of the Intestines. — The same causes mentioned 

 in inflammation of the stomach and acute indigestion may cause 

 this disease. It is most frequent at times when there are gi'eat 

 variations in the temperature. Sudden cold or any influence 

 that chills the surface of the body, or internal cold caused by 

 drinking ice water or eating frozen feed, may cause it. The 

 infectious forms of enteritis are caused by germs and ptomaines 

 in the feed. Drinking filthy water or eating spoiled, mouldy 

 feeds are common causes. In cattle pasturing in low, marshy 

 places, enteritis may be common. The toxic form is caused by 

 irritating jDoisons, such as caustic acids, alkalies and meat brine. 



In the mild form of enteritis the appetite is irregular, the 

 animal acts dull and stupid and may be noticed lying do\\m more 

 than common. Slight abdominal pains occur, especially follow- 

 ing a meal. An elevation in the body temperature may be noted 

 and the animal may drink more water than usual. Constipation 

 or a slight diarrhnoa may be present. The firces may be soft and 

 foul smelling, coated with mucus, and slightly discolored with 

 blood. 



In the severe form of enteritis pressure on the abdomen may 

 cause pain, the respiration and pulse beats are quickened and 

 the body temperature is elevated. The abdominal pain may be 

 severe and the animal is greatly depressed or acts dull. The 

 movement of the intestines is suppressed at first and constipation 

 occurs. Fermentation and the formation of gas may take place. 



