THE DIGESTIVE SYSTEM. 289 



often cedematous^ in a state of extreme emaciation ', with 

 coat dry and staring, mucous membranes pallid, eyes 

 sunken, ears pendulous, dull glazed appearance of the 

 eyes, relaxed condition of the anus, from which there is 

 constantly a slight sanguineous discharge, and the rectum 

 protrudes a little ; back arched, pain on pressure of the 

 loins, and staggering gait. Generally, the skin is tho- 

 roughly invaded by lice. When faeces are passed in 

 quantity they are found to be highly offensive, san- 

 guineous, glairy, and viscid, in consequence of the amount 

 of mucus present. The animal will remain in this 

 state for a very long time, in spite of the most active 

 measures of treatment ; and when at length death occurs 

 from asthenia or slaughter, post-mortem examination 

 shows that the stomach may be involved, as well as the 

 intestines. Thus, the abomasum has its lining membrane 

 reddened, with a gelatinous effusion into its substance, and 

 into the submucous areolar tissue. The small intestines 

 are sometimes somewhat similarly affected, but not unfre- 

 quently present only a slight congestive blush of the lining 

 membrane. The large intestines are the main seat of the 

 disorder, and show spots of extravasation and ecchymosis, 

 also congestive streaking, giving them a bluish colour, 

 also ulcerations, penetrating the mucous coat more or less 

 deeply. The contents are of an offensive si 

 with blood. 



Treatment is very unsatisfactory, whi( 

 Mr. Armatage suggests, is due to the fact^ 

 eased membrane of the alimentary canal is nli 

 dition to allow of ready absorption. He therefol 

 treatment by means of subcutaneous injection. We 

 adopt those measures already recommended for diarrhoea 

 due to organic change^ but in chronic cases may use 

 powerful astringents. Astringent enemas should be ad- 

 ministered, and, according to some authorities, doses of 

 carbolic acid, chlorinated lime, and hyposulphite of soda, 

 are beneficial. Careful nursing is absolutely necessary, 

 though these cases are so tedious that they are generally 

 left to take their chance. The food must be judiciously 



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