INTESTINAL CATARRH 55 



Stances, such as stones, rubber balls, or large nails, 

 have been swallowed, and the diagnosis is positive, 

 gastrotomy should be performed without delay. A 

 description o.f this operation will be found on page 

 207. 



Intestinal Catarrh 



Intestinal catarrh is frequently associated with 

 gastric catarrh, the etiology being the same. In- 

 testinal parasites also play an important part in 

 causing catarrh of the intestines. It is also seen 

 as a complication or accessory ailment in distemper. 



Symptoms. — There may be vomiting, but not so 

 persistent or so well marked as in gastric catarrh. 

 The appetite is impaired, the temperature is nearly 

 always fairly high, even up to 103 or 105 degrees Fah- 

 renheit. The mos't prominent symptom of intestinal 

 catarrh is diarrhea, the severity of which may vary 

 considerably ; in mild cases the feces are pulpy in 

 consistency, while in severe cases there are often 

 slimy, icteric, bloodstained, and usually very fetid 

 feces. Considerable pain and straining accompanies 

 the act of defecation. There is usually an abnormal 

 amount of fermentation, with consequent flatulence. 

 In protracted cases, emaciation is well marked, and 

 the animal presents a forlorn appearance, with 

 tucked-up abdomen, rough, unthrifty coat, and with 

 it's tail and hind quarters soiled with feces. 



Treatment. — Dietetic treatment is most important, 

 and in mild cases is often all that is required. A 

 spare diet of finely chopped raw meat, continued 

 for several days, is the best. Above all, the im- 

 moderate consumption of water must be guarded 

 against. If the appetite is entirely suspended, a 

 bitter tonic should be giVen to stimulate it. At the 

 outset of the disease a. moderate dose of calomel 

 may be given, followed by intestinal antiseptics and 



