8S DISEASES OF CATS 



SIMPLE ACUTE GASTRO-ENTERITIS. 



In this form the gastric symptoms predomi- 

 nate over the intestinal, and the nervous phe- 

 nomena although existent are not so well 

 marked as in the more serious forms. 



Etiology. — Unsuitable and irritating food, 

 foreign bodies, fur balls and masses of matted 

 hair which have been licked from the coat when 

 the animal has been making its toilette. Para- 

 sites, Ollulanus tricuspis, Ascaris mystax, etc., 

 and irritant medicines. 



Symptomis. — Anorexia, vomiting, pain on 

 manipulation of the epigastric region, abdomen 

 may feel full or may be tucked up, pain on 

 pressure, diarrhea fetid, sometimes profuse 

 and streaked with blood. The animal lies upon 

 its belly with elbows on the ground, appears to 

 be dazed and is generally completely indiffer- 

 ent to its surroundings. Refusal of food is 

 persistent, the mouth has a sickly odor and the 

 mucous membrane appears of a dirty white 

 color. The temperature is generally raised two 

 to three degrees but drops to subnormal if the 

 case is going to terminate fatally. Emaciation 

 is rapid, the diarrhea and vomiting become 

 more persistent and finally deep coma sets in 

 in which the patient dies. 



Treatment. — Treatment depends to a great 

 extent upon the etiological factor. If due to 

 parasites whose presence can- be definitely de- 



