DIGESTIVE SYSTEM 107 



constipation, but tliis condition is succeeded by diarrhea. The 

 affected animals groan and roll frequently. 



Treatment. — Remove the cause. -Adminster calomel in 5 to 20- 

 grain doses to clear the intestine of all offending material. If con- 

 stipation is marked, use saline enemas prior to the administration 

 of calomel. Give a limited amount of easily digestible foods and 

 have them fed at regularly stated intervals. 



Chronic Catarrhal Entcrit's ' 



Chronic intestinal catarrh is usually a sequel of acute intestinal 

 catarrh. 



Etiology. — The usual causes of chronic intestinal catarrh are the 

 same as those causing acute intestinal catarrh, but are continued 

 over a longer period of time and probably, in the majority of in- 

 stances, are not so intense. Error of diet is the most frequent cause. 

 Chronic heart or liver diseases that produce venous engorgement 

 of the intestine are common causes. Parasites, no doubt, are responsi 

 ble for an occasional case of chronic intestinal catarrh. 



Lesions. — The affected mucous membrane is usually of a uniform 

 or mottled bluish, steel, slate co^or. The mucosa is tumefied, dense, 

 and of a leathery consistency due to the excessive development of 

 fibrous tissue in the submucosa. Small retention cysts representing 

 occluded glands may be present. The covering epithelium of the 

 mucous membrane is attenuated and sometimes erosions, or even 

 ulcerations, are observed. 



Symptoms. — Irregular appetite, alternation of constipation and 

 diarrhea, rough coat, emaciation, and malnutrition characterize 

 chronic intestinal catarrh. The foregoing symptoms tend to per- 

 sist, as the disease may continue for weeks. 



Treatment. — A proper diet combined with good surroundings are 

 prerequisites for the successful treatment of cases of chronic intes- 

 tinal catarrh. Regulation of the bowels, with maintenance of the 

 proper consistency of the fecal matter, is highly important. 



In these cases it is usually advisable to administer calomel in 

 5-20 grain doses, followed in 24 hours by from one-half to one ounce 

 of castor oil, given in capsules. Bitter tonics containing gentian, 

 nux vomica or desiccated iron should be given in the feed, unless 

 there is anorexia, when it should be given in capsules. Treatment 

 must be persistent, as success will be attained only by a long-con- 

 tinued course of treatment, combined with the proper diet. 



