DIGESTIVE SYSTEM 97 



and in these pus accumulates in large quantities. The muscular 

 layers of the stomach frequently become infiltrated with pus; the 

 inflammatory process may extend to and involve the serous coat. 



Symptoms. — The evidences of phlegmonous gastritis are not distinct 

 and separable from those of croupous gastritis. There is usually in- 

 tense pain, indicated by the constant change in position of the ani- 

 mals. Vomition is usually frequent, the vomited material being 

 small in quantity and largely mucous or mucopurulent in character, 

 and it is not infrequently mixed with blood. There is inappetence, 

 thirst, and a drawn-up appearance of the abdomen, with arching 

 of the back. The temperature ranges from 104 to 107 degrees 

 Fahrenheit. Constipation is usually quite marked in the beginning, 

 but may be succeeded by diarrhea. 



- The course of this disease varies from three to seven days. The 

 prognosis should be guarded, as the disease is usually fatal. 



Treatment. — The pain may be relieved by the administration of 

 a demulcent. Flax-seed tea or gruel will usually be consumed if 

 it is the only available fluid for drinking. If the pain is not relieved 

 by the demulcent drink, one-half-dram doses of chloral hydrate 

 should be administered in a capsule. In cases evidencing constipa- 

 tion enemas will be found of value. In valuable animals gastric 

 lavage may be resorted to. 



Chronic Gastritis 



Chronic gastritis is of rather frequent occurrence in hogs. 



Etiology. — ^^Chronic gastritis is caused by the long continued ac- 

 tion of mild irritants. Thus, the constant feeding with improper 

 feed is a very common cause of chronic gastritis. Some feeders 

 claim that a constant com ration may produce sufficient disturb- 

 ance to result in chronic gastritis. Garbage, especially if no pre- 

 cautions are taken to prevent the feeding of putrid or fermented 

 substances, will cause chronic gastritis. Parasitism may cause 

 chronic gastritis. The most common offending parasite is the ar- 

 duenna strongylina. ts 



Lesions. — The anatomical changes in the stomach consist of a 

 fibrous proliferation which may destroy the gland tissues or obstruct 

 their ducts, resulting in the formation of small cysts. The mucosa 

 is usually attenuated, due to atrophy of the mucous membrane. 

 As a rule there is some ulceration and not infrequently the capacity 



