Phlegmonous {Purulent) Gastritis in the Horse. 167 



above all in strangles. The microbes are introduced more di- 

 rectly through the wounds inflicted by the larvae of oestrus, or 

 by the burrowing of these (Argus, Schlieppe, Schortmann), or 

 of spiroptera (Argus). Wounds by sharp pointed bodies taken 

 in with the food, furnish other infection — atria, and in their turn 

 ulcers connected with catarrhal or toxic inflammation may furnish 

 a means of entrance. 



Symptoms. These resemble those of catarrhal inflammation, 

 but are usually attended by greater hyperthermia, and the colicy 

 symptoms are more marked. There is also greater tenderness in 

 the epigastrium and left hypochondrium, and icterus is more 

 marked. When it occurs as an extension of strangles or pyaemia 

 the symptoms of these affections elsewhere are pathognomonic. 

 When the abscess bursts into the stomach there may be vomiting 

 of bloody mucus (hsematemesis) which is not necessarily followed 

 by a fatal result. 



Lesions. As these are seen only in fatal cases, the presence of 

 an abscess is the characteristic feature. This is usually sub- 

 mucous, or less frequently subperitoneal, and may vary in size 

 from a hazelnut upward. The tendency appears to be to open 

 into the stomach, though it may burst into the peritoneum and 

 cause general infection of that membrane. In case of parasites, 

 the spiroptera or oestrus larva may be found in the abscess cavity 

 having a narrow opening into the stomach. In certain cases the 

 abscess on the pyloric sac has been found opening into the 

 duodenum. Congestion, thickening, puckering into rugae and 

 laceration of the adjacent mucosae may be a marked feature, a 

 circumscribed catarrhal gastritis complicating the local phlegmon. 



Treatment. This is less hopeful than in catarrhal gastritis, 

 but should be conducted along the same lines. The same careful 

 diet, with daily antiseptics and bitters may prove valuable in 

 limiting the inevitable suppuration, and, if the pus should escape 

 into the stomach, in healing the lesion. Sulphites of soda, 

 sulphide of calcium, chamomile, and quinia, are to be commended 

 and pepsin may be added to secure at once proteid digestion and 

 antisepsis. Laxatives may be required to counteract constipation 

 or expel irritants, and these may be combined with the antisep- 

 tics already named or with salol, eucalyptol, sodium salicylate 

 or other non-poisonous agent of this class. 



