190 ACUTE INFLAMMATION OF THE GASTRIC COMPARTMENTS. 



Acute gastritis develops regularly in ten to fifteen days, after which 

 the symptoms diminish and disappear, giving place to normal health. In 

 grave cases, despite proper treatment, acute gastritis more frequently 

 ends in a chronic condition, finally leading to gastric atrophy, and the 

 insufiicient secretion of hydrochloric acid, with all the consequences of 

 these conditions. The glands of the stomach degenerate ; the secretion 

 becomes abnormal and dyspepsia is set up. 



Diagnosis. The diagnosis is rather difficult, for the condition is very 

 apt to be confused with primary dyspepsia, or with inflammation of the 

 gastric compartments. It might also be mistaken for acute enteritis of 

 the first part of the small intestine ; but as gastritis is very often compli- 

 cated with duodenitis, such a mistake is without serious consequences. 



Prognosis. The prognosis is grave, not because death is a frequent 

 termination, but because the disease very often leads to chronic incurable 

 lesions. 



The lesions consist of congestion of the vascular network of the 

 mucous and subepithelial coats, serous infiltration of the corium and 

 submucous connective layers, desquamation, and later in excessive 

 proliferation of the epithelium. 



When the inflammation is deep seated the epithelium of the gastric 

 glands becomes swollen and cloudy, and undergoes a kind of atrophic de- 

 generation. In very grave cases, petechife, superficial capillary hfemor- 

 rhages, and slight ulceration may be noted. The mucous folds are 

 always thickened and infiltrated. 



Treatment. In cases of gastritis or acute gastro-duodenitis mode- 

 rate bleeding (three to four quarts) and local stimulation were formerly 

 recommended. This practice certainly has its advantages, provided it is 

 not pushed to excess. Sinapisms give good results, but as they must be 

 left in position for a considerable time, it is often better to apply vesicants 

 over the lower right hypochondriac region. At first purgatives are useful, 

 because they unload the digestive tract, arrest the organic fermentation 

 which results from stagnation in the movement of food along the alimen- 

 tary tract, and diminish the tendency to intoxications or infections. 



At a later stage small doses of laxatives and bicarbonate of soda should 

 be given daily, the diet being of an emollient character, and consisting of 

 milk, starchy or farinaceous foods, and small quantities of good hay. 



Linseed, bran, cooked grain, decoctions of pellitory, barley and 

 various cereals may also be administered with advantage. 



CATARRHAL GASTRITIS IN SWINE. 



Definition. Inflammation of the gastric mucosa, with muco-purulent 

 discharge. 



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