162 DISEASES OF THE STOMACH 



clotted blood, or lick blood from bleeding surfaces which 

 may produce vomiting. When this is suspected the general 

 symptoms should be carefully considered and a careful 

 anamnesis obtained if possible. 



A microscopic examination of the contents from the 

 stomach and bowels will in most cases assist in arriving at 

 an accurate diagnosis. It may be differentiated from hemor- 

 rhage of the lungs by the presence of food particles, and 

 the absence of air mixed with the material, and from the 

 fact that it usually has an acid reaction from contact with the 

 gastric juice. 



Prognosis.— This depends very largely upon the cause, and 

 to a less extent upon the severity of the hemorrhage. When 

 resulting from wounds in the mucosa when not too extensive 

 it should be considered favorable. However, when due to 

 ulceration of the mucosa, or resulting from general causes the 

 prognosis is unfavorable. 



Treatment.— The early indication in the treatment is 

 to keep the animal in a quiet place free from all excite- 

 ment or noise. The administration of cold water (ice water) 

 internally or cold applications to the epigastrium in the 

 form of cold water or ice are beneficial. To control the 

 hemorrhage when severe, adrenalin chlorid solution (1.5-2.0 

 of 1-1000 solution), or ergotin (0.2-1.0) subcutaneously 

 should be given every two or three hours until the hemor- 

 rhage stops. Gelatin given via the mouth has been highly 

 recommended for the same purpose. In less severe cases 

 mild astringents (tannic acid, lead acetate, tannoform, alum) 

 are to be used. Where general weakness is well marked 

 subcutaneous injections of strychnin sulphate (0.0005-0.001), 

 or caffein citrate (0.06-0.19) are to be used to stimulate the 

 heart action, and as a general stimulant. Saline infusions 

 given as rectal injections, intravenous injections, or intra- 

 peritoneally are indicated in severe hemorrhages to replace 

 the loss of blood in the body. When hematemesis is due to 

 other diseases, the cause should be determined and treat- 

 ment applied accordingly. 



All food should be withheld for at least two days, and then 

 allowed only in small quantities. Milk or beef broth is 

 useful in this regard. 



