190 DISEASES OF THE INTESTINES 



CROUPOUS ENTERITIS OF CATS. 



Membranous Enteritis. 



Definition.— A croupous or membranous inflammation 

 involving the mucous membrane of the intestines. 



Etiology.— Croupous enteritis is observed most frequently 

 in kittens occurring as an epizootic in certain districts during 

 the winter and spring seasons of the year. The exact etio- 

 logical factor has never been determined. It is possibly due 

 to a virulent form of the colon bacillus aided by a reduction 

 in resistance from exposure to cold, irregularities in diet, 

 parasites, etc. Older animals are also occasionally affected 

 but not in such large numbers. 



Pathology.— The principal pathological changes are noticed 

 on the mucous membrane of the bowels, the muscular walls, 

 and the mesenteric lymph glands. The mucous membrane 

 is highly congested, reddened, swollen, and the surface 

 covered with a thick membranous exudate. Often the epi- 

 thelial surface and even the submucosa will become loosened 

 from the other tissues. The wall of the bowel is edematous, 

 and the serous covering shows inflammation. The mesen- 

 teric lymph glands are enlarged, edematous, and show acute 

 inflammatory changes. The liver, spleen and kidneys show 

 similar changes. The contents of the bowels are liquid, and 

 contain considerable blood. 



Symptoms.— The early symptoms are: Vomiting and a 

 severe diarrhea which come on suddenly and usually affect 

 several animals at the same time. There is a complete loss of 

 appetite, depression, and in twenty-four to forty-eight hours 

 the animals will become very weak, comatose and die from 

 exhaustion. 



Diagnosis.— The epizootic character of the disease, the sud- 

 den onset and the age of the animal affected are indicative. 

 It can be easily mistaken for various kinds of poisonings; the 

 anamnesis therefore should be carefully ascertained to assist 

 in the differential diagnosis. 



Prognosis.— Should be considered unfavorable; the largest 

 percentage of cases terminate fatally. 



