ENTERITIS. 11g 
Looseness of the bowels is the earliest and most constant symptom; and 
while the intestinal trouble is an irritation merely, the affection is simply di- 
arrhcea ; but true inflammation having set in, it becomes enteritis. Vomiting may 
also be an early symptom. Although in some cases it occurs only occasionally, 
in others it is frequent and persistent; and in these, as a rule, the stomach is 
involved in the inflammation, and the attacks are really gastro-enteritis. 
Pain is rarely absent, although in the early stages it may be of mild char- 
acter and escape detection. Very generally it is of colicky nature at first, and 
after a time becomes unremitting and a steady “ache,’”’ which is intensified by 
pressure. The abdomen is usually distended; its walls are firm, hard, and 
tightly drawn; and unless the distention is very considerable, when standing 
the back of the sufferer is arched, and his tail pressed tightly between his legs, 
as in severe colic. 
The foregoing symptoms are generally attended by fever, which varies at 
times in intensity, being now scarcely noticeable, and again quite evident ; but 
seldom, however, does it run very high. As always when fever is on, the skin 
is dry and the pulse quickened. There is also thirst and loss of appetite. While 
the pain is colicky the patients are restless, but they are comparatively quiet 
when it is dull and persistent. Another characteristic symptom appears in the 
tongue, which is glazed and has the appearance of raw beef. Still another may 
sometimes be presented by the opening of the bowel, the lining of the same 
appearing of a very deep red color, hot and dry. 
These are the common symptoms of this disease, and from what has been said 
of them a general idea can be acquired of their intensity. In some cases not 
only are they very pronounced but others are added, as painful straining when 
discharges from the bowels occur, and tenderness of the abdomen so great that 
the sufferer can hardly be persuaded to move, and he moans and cries out if 
forced to do so. In such cases, also, the breathing is hurried and evidently 
painful, the victims seeming to avoid deep inspiration. Again, in very grave 
forms of the disease there may be constipation, and diarrhoea only occurs after 
the danger has past and convalesence commenced. 
Obviously the chances of recovery depend largely upon the cause; and where 
it can be removed speedily they should ordinarily be good. Moreover, they are 
greatly influenced by the severity of the disease and the length of time it has 
been on; also by the strength of the patient. Considering all cases, where it 
occurs singly and not as a complication, only a small per cent die; but including 
those in which it is associated with other diseases, and notably distemper, it is 
serious, and adds much to the dangers of a fatal termination. 
The affections with which enteritis is most likely to be confounded are 
diarrhoea, dysentery, colic, poisoning by irritants, and peritonitis. 
But the first named is far less serious and not attended by such constitu- 
‘tional signs as fever, great thirst, prostration, etc. 
