154 DISEASES OF THE STOMACH 



distended with food masses, gas, and fluids, which can readily 

 be distinguished through the abdominal walls. Very often 

 the symptoms of this condition are similar to acute gastritis 

 (see Symptoms of Acute Gastritis) . 



Diagnosis.— A correct diagnosis requires a careful and 

 accurate anamnesis. This condition is often mistaken for 

 some acute abdominal disease, such as peritonitis, acute 

 gastritis or intestinal obstruction. However, by carefully 

 observing the symptoms, and by palpation, together with 

 the anamnesis, the diagnosis is usually made without much 

 difficulty. 



Prognosis.— In those cases, due to overloading, the prog- 

 nosis is considered favorable; when due to other causes it is 

 unfavorable as complications are liable to ensue which often 

 terminate fatally. 



Treatment.— Medical.— When due to overloading the 

 stomach or from foreign material, emetics are indicated 

 early to remove it. Apomorphin (0.005-0.01) should be 

 administered subcutaneously, and the stomach carefully 

 kneaded to break up the food masses and to mix the con- 

 tents with the secretions so that they will be more easily 

 ejected. After the material has been removed by vomit- 

 ing it is advisable to administer sodium bicarbonate solu- 

 tion (2 per cent.) to remove irritating material from the 

 surface of the mucous membrane. (See Treatment of 

 Acute Gastritis). In cases where there is a lack of tone in 

 the muscular walls from pressure by retained food masses, 

 . gas, etc., or defective nervous control of the muscle, the 

 administration of strychnin sulphate (0.0005-0.001 daily), 

 or tincture of nux vomica (0.3-0.6 twice daily) has been 

 found advantageous. 



Surgical.— In severe cases where the food particles cannot 

 be removed by emesis, or where foreign material is present, 

 it is advisable to remove it by performing gastrotomy. (See 

 Surgical Treatment of Foreign Bodies in the Stomach). 



CHRONIC DILATATION OF THE STOMACH. 



Etiology.— While not common in small animals it is. occa- 

 sionally observed, and consists of a dilatation of the 



