DIGESTIVE SYSTEM 



95 



also of the gastric mucosa. Irregularity of feeding is another im- 

 portant factor in the production of gastric catarrh and the associ- 

 ated indigestion. The stomach like any other organ adapts iself 

 to certain habits, such as a fixed time for feeding. If swine are 

 fed at a certain hour each morning and evening, the digestion will 

 be much more perfect than if fed at irregular periods and, there- 

 fore, it is economy to have a fixed feeding time. If animals are 

 not fed until after the regular feeding time they are likely to 

 overload, due to the fact that they were hungry, and consume the 

 food more rapidly than when fed regularly. Overloading 'is a 

 factor in the production of gastric catarrh. Drinking of large 



Fig. 22. ACUTE GASTRITIS, a, Congested vessel in stroma; b. Gastric crypt 

 and glands; c, mucous exudate; d. Migratory leucocyte. 



quantities of cold water may produce catarrh of the stomach. Gas- 

 tritis is frequently associated with infectious diseases such as hog 

 cholera and necrotic enteritis. 



Symptoms. — The symptoms of catarrhal gastritis vary according 

 to the intensity of the disease, vomition after eating being one of 

 the most common. There is usually increased thirst. In the be- 

 ginning of the disease there is often constipation, followed by diar- 

 rhea with a discharge of a thin, fetid, fecal material. There is a 

 slight rise of temperature and usually an unequal distribution of 

 surface temperature, one part being warm while another is cold. 

 The tail drops, and the animals have a tendency to pile up or get 

 under their bedding. The course of the disease is usually rapid 

 and recovery almost certain. 



