ENTERITIS 171 



very offensive odor. The feathers in the region of the cloaca 

 become soiled, matted together, retaining a quantity of the 

 feces which often becomes dried and forms a hard mass 

 around the anal opening. There is usually loss of appetite, 

 general weakness, the wings are held pendant and the patient 

 completely prostrated. In the more severe cases due to 

 ptomaines, toxins, etc., the symptoms develop very rapidly, 

 and there is but little noticed except subnormal temperature, 

 narcosis and coma. Death occurs in a large percentage of 

 those cases due to ptomaines, toxins, etc. 



Diagnosis.— The recognition of acute enteritis offers no 

 great difficulties in most cases. The anamnesis, sudden 

 onset, abdominal pain, and the severe diarrhea are all quite 

 characteristic. Only when diarrhea is absent would the 

 diagnosis be difficult. A careful examination should always 

 be made to determine if possible the cause of the enteritis, 

 whether it is a primary condition or secondary to some other 

 disease. Examination of the feces should be made both 

 macro- and microscopically to determine their condition, 

 the presence of blood, foreign material, or of parasites. 



Prognosis.— In ordinary cases of enteritis the prognosis is 

 usually favorable. However, it depends very largely upon 

 the cause, and all cases should be considered serious until 

 the cause can be determined. When due to corrosive poisons, 

 ptomaines, toxins, etc., the prognosis should be considered 

 very unfavorable depending upon the amount of the material 

 ingested. In cats the prognosis should be guarded as these 

 animals are very sensitive to intestinal disturbances. 



Treatment.— Hygienic— The animals should be placed in 

 a warm, dry place which is well ventilated and free from all 

 noise and excitement. Not too many birds or small animals 

 shouldbe allowed in one room, and the floors, roosts, etc., 

 should be thoroughly cleaned (daily) and disinfectants, 

 such as carbolic acid (5 per cent.) freely used. The drinking 

 water should be kept fresh, and the food, when allowed, free 

 from dirt, dust, and not contaminated with bowel discharges. 

 Collections of feces on the hair and feathers should be 

 removed daily with warm water or bicarbonate of soda 

 solution (2 per cent). The mouth may be washed with clean 



