DISEASES OF THE DIGESTIVE SYSTEM 91 



of contagious gastro-enteritis is invariably 

 alkaline. 



Ptomaine Poisoning 



This affection is not of such frequent occur- 

 rence as in the dog, because the cat vomits w^ith 

 even greater facility than the dog. Neverthe- 

 less cases do occur and are very fatal unless 

 prompt and rational treatment is instituted. 



Etiology. — ^Bacterial toxemia from the in- 

 gestion of putrid and -decaying food, putrid 

 meat, fish, canned goods, such as salmon, sar- 

 dines, corn, etc. The bacteriological flora pro- 

 ducing the condition are the same as in other 

 animals so no details are necessary in regard to 

 them. 



Symptoms. — Vomiting, abdominal pain, 

 bloody and offensive diarrhea, widely dilated 

 pupils, small weak but rapid pulse. The tem- 

 perature is at first elevated but may later on 

 become subnormal. Very great depression and 

 rapid exhaustion. Sometimes convulsions fol- 

 lowed by coma. 



Treatment.- — To produce emesis and expul- 

 sion of the offending material apomorphin in 

 doses varying from 1/30 to l/20 of a grain 

 should be given hypodermicaUy, and followed 

 by two or three ounces of a 1-1000 solution of 

 chinosol ; if this is vomited it should be repeated 

 in half an hour. To clear the intestinal tract 

 caibniel one-half to one grain combined with 



