DISEASES OF THE BOWELS. 77 



m enteritis the visible mucous membranes are highly in- 

 jected, thermometrical insertion per rectum shows consider- 

 able increase of temperature, and the pulse is increased in 

 frequency and small. 



In colic there is no injection of the mucous membranes, 

 no increase in temperature, and only slight acceleration of 

 pulse and breathing during the spasm. Such may be con- 

 sidered the leading diagnostic distinctions between the two 

 diseases. 



The General Symptoms of enteritis are as follows : Its 

 commencement is denoted by rigors, a dry hot nose, injected 

 visible mucous membranes, pulse small, hard and frequent, 

 considerable thirst is present, and usually obstinate consti- - 

 pation. The animal moves continually about, looks back at 

 his flank, and whines piteously ; he no sooner adopts the 

 recumbent position than, with a sharp cry, up he starts again. 

 As the disease proceeds these symptoms become greatly ag- 

 gravated; the abdomen is hot and extremely tender, the 

 breathing hurried and painful and entirely thoracic, pulse 

 wiry and increased, mucous membranes deep red, urine scanty 

 and high colored ; the cries are more frequent and sharp, and 

 if an attempt be made to pick the animal up he immediately 

 resents it; if the attendant is successful, a howl of pain is 

 emitted. When the disease is due to irritant poisons or the 

 presence of acrid bile, or associated with gastric derangement, 

 incessant vomiting, often streaked with blood, accompany it, 

 with frequent evacuations similar in character to the vomit. 



Finally the mouth, ears, and limbs become cold and 

 clammy, the abdomen is distended, an olifensive cadaverous 

 smell is emitted from the body generally, the breathing is 

 difficult and irregular, pulse imperceptible, the heart can just 

 be detected feebly beating, convulsions follow, and death 

 closes the scene. 



The terminations of enteritis are : 



Resolution. — A gradual diminution of the symptoms, and 

 return to health. 



