ACUTE GASTRITIS. 189 



inflammation is confined to the superficial epithelial layers it is defined 

 as superficial catarrh of the abomasum ; if, on the contrary, it extends to 

 the deep epithelium of the gastric glands and to the mucous coriuni, it 

 is termed deep-seated gastritis. 



Clinically it is impossible to make these distinctions. AVe simply 

 recognise degrees of gravity, and only in this ^Yay can one diagnose 

 acute gastritis, phlegmonous gastritis, ulcerative gastritis, etc. 



Causation. The abomasum frequently becomes inflamed as a conse- 

 quence of irritant foods, apart altogether from lesions of the rumen or 

 reticulum, the mucous membrane lining the abomasum being so much 

 more deUcate than that of either of the two first compartments. 



Irritant plants, parasites, acid drinks, very cold ^Yater, certain acid 

 or toxic industrial residues like mouldy ljre\Yers' grains, fermented 

 vegetable pulp, decomposed beet, etc., and mouldy or spoilt forage of 

 any kind may all produce acute gastritis. 



Intense feeding — i.e., feeding with farinaceous materials, with large 

 quantities of beans, roots, peas, giA'en regularly — may also cause gastritis 

 by overtaxing the functions of the organ. Frozen or fermented roots 

 and sudden changes in feeding produce similar results. Chills have also 

 been blamed, but it is probable that they only act as favouring causes. 



Symptoms. It is necessary to consider these very carefully in order 

 to arrive at a correct diagnosis. 



Inflammation of the abomasum is attended with moderate fever, 

 diminution in appetite, irregularity in rumination and some tension of 

 the rumen, -without, however, true tympanites. 



At first the bowels are constipated, but in time foetid diarrhoea sets 

 in. Examination of the digestive apparatus on the left side and in the 

 right posterior abdominal region reveals nothing abnormal, but pressure 

 over the lower portion of the abdomen and along the cartilages of the 

 right hypochondriac region produces, on the contrary, well-marked pain. 

 This region corresi^onds to the position of the abomasum. 



The conjunctiva appears reddish yellow, as in most visceral inflam- 

 mations. 



Some authors have described attacks of extreme excitement, but 

 these are no more pathognomonic than is grinding of the teeth, which 

 is a constant symptom, or the metallic sound noted on auscultation 

 of the rumen. This sound occurs in all cases of inertia of the rumen, 

 and indicates distension and emptiness of the viscus (acute peritonitis, 

 chronic adhesive peritonitis, inflammation of the reticulum as a conse- 

 quence of the presence of foreign bodies). 



Dull colic and groaning are not uncommon. Finally, Thierry and 

 others have all mentioned an alliaceous smell of the eructations as 

 pathognomonic. 



