THE DIGESTIVE SYSTEM. 291 



of pure water are essential, and of course tlie patient must 

 be removed from the pasture wliicli has caused the disease. 



Prophylaxis consists in administration of occasional 

 laxatives, a proper supply of water in dry seasons, and 

 avoidance of placing more animals on a limited pasture 

 than it w-ill support. 



Enteeitis. — Inflammation of the intestines, especially 

 affecting the muscular coat, but extending to the mucous 

 and peritoneal, is not frequent in the ox, except in working 

 animals. Plethoric adults are most liable to become 

 affected. It is due to exposure to rough weather, drinking 

 cold water when in a state of perspiration, and ingestion 

 of irritant substances ; it also results from extension of in- 

 flammation, and may be brought about by volvulus, intus- 

 susception, and impaction. 



Symptoms. — There are general signs of disorder, with 

 pain on pressure of the loins, frequent passage of a small 

 amount of dry f^ces, and perhaps some abdominal disten- 

 sion. Shortly acute febrile disturbance takes place, and 

 the patient stands obstinately in one place, with muzzle 

 protruded, and the hind limbs seem inclined to give way. 

 Thirst is excessive, but all inclination for food is lost ; the 

 animal moans, grinds his teeth, looks round at the right 

 flank, and flinches when pressure is made on the abdomen. 

 The pain is continuous, which, with the acute fever, serves 

 to distinguish this from colicky disorders. Shortly before 

 death the patient becomes unconscious and falls, moaning 

 continuously. The passage of faeces becomes suppressed, 

 and "a little stream of liquid excrement forces its way 

 through the hardened mass, by which the rectum is dis- 

 tended, and that which is voided has an exceedingly foetid 

 and putrid smell. '^ Youatt considers this diagnostic. 

 Sometimes death is preceded by cessation of pain, but the 

 animal is anxious, the extremities are extremely cold, the 

 pulse imperceptible or '^running down," and the internal 

 temperature falls rapidly. This is indicative of the occur- 

 rence of gangrene. Throughout the attack the pulse is 

 very quick and small, and the rectum, when examined 

 with the hand, is evidently very much increased in tem- 



