98 SWINE PRACTICE 



of the stomach is diminished, due to the contraction of the newly 

 formed fibrous tissues. 



Symptoms. — The symptoms of chronic gastritis of swine are not 

 distinct. There is variation of appetite. Vomition immediately 

 after eating may or may not be present. Affected animals are un- 

 thrifty as a result of nutritive disturbances. 



It is not uncommon to see affected animals actually diminish in 

 weight. This is particularly true in cases in which there is diarrhea. 

 Chronic gastritis in swine is similar to dyspepsia in the human. 



This is essentially a chronic disease, the courses varying from a 

 few weeks to months. Prognosis is favorable as to the life of the 

 animal, but unfavorable as to the relief of the condition. 



Treatment. — Treatment consists in strictly limiting the diet to 

 easily digested foods, and the maintenance of a laxative condition 

 of the bowels. 



If the appetite is irregular and the animals appear to have little 

 desire for food the administration of a bitter tonic will be found 

 of value, such as gentian and nux vomica, which may be admin- 

 istered in their feed or by capsules. 



DILATATION 



Dilatation of the stomach may be acute or chronic. 

 Acute Gastric Dilatation 



Acute dilatation is a condition resulting from a rapid distention 

 of the stomach, a condition not very common in swine. 



Etiology. — Acute dilatation is usually due to overloading the stom- 

 ach. It is most frequently caused by the ingestion of large quanti- 

 ties of indigestible substances, or of foods that are easily and ex- 

 tensively fermentable. 



Lesions. — The lesions observed in acute dilatation consist of en- 

 largement, the walls being very much attenuated. Rupture of the 

 stomach may occur in the greater curvature. 



Symptoms. — The evidences of acute dilatation are the same as those 

 of overloading of the stomach. Restlessness, succeeded by vomit- 

 ing, is the usual sign observed in the early stages of a limited dilata- 

 tion. In some instances the walls of the stomach become so thin due 

 to extreme distention, that vomition is not possible, and such cases 

 are evidenced by gagging, salivation, and bloating, if the distention 



