DISEASES OP THE DIGESTIVE SYSTEM. 183 



What is the morbid anatomy ? 



The mucous membrane at the pyloric end of the stomach is 

 reddened, swollen, and thickened; the peptic glands degenerate 

 and the membrane is covered with a thick mucus, which contains 

 epithelial cells, granular cells, etc. 



How is simple gastritis caused ? 



It may be caused by errors in the diet, feeding irregularly, 

 improper food, sudden change of food, fast eating, cold drinks, or, 

 on the other hand, a lack of the gastric juice. It is often associated 

 with or secondary to anaemia, purpura haemorrhagica, pneumonia, 

 and affections of the liver. 



What are the symptoms ? 



The first thing noticed is a change in the appetite, it becomes 

 lessened or capricious. They yawn frequently, which is due to 

 irritation of the pneumogastric nerve. Some European writers 

 have stated that white hellebore when eaten by horses will produce 

 vomiting without gastric lesions. Symptoms of nausea and even 

 vomiting are said to be present in these cases, but they are prob- 

 ably rare. 



The mucous membrane of the mouth being at first dry and 

 then covered with a ropy mucus, the breath has a sour, stale smell, 

 the tongue is coated. 



Then again there may be intestinal troubles, or the flanks may 

 be tucked up; the faeces are passed frequently and in small quan- 

 tities, and the balls are often coated with mucus. Diarrhoea, 

 accompanied by tympanites and colic, may be a symptom. Some- 

 times after the faeces are discharged a yellowish liquid is passed, 

 which soils the tail and the hocks. 



There is, as a rule, little or no fever, the temperature being 

 about 101° or 102° P. 



There are certain general symptoms present; the animal be- 

 comes lazy, stupid, and sweats easily; jaundice may be present 

 from an interference with the bile-duct; the urine may be altered, 

 it being less in quantity, there is less sediment, and the phosphates 

 are present in noticeable quantities. 



What is the prognosis? 



These cases, when mild, get well, especially when under good 

 hygienic surroundings. Sometimes in old animals it leads to death; 

 or, again, it may go on to the chronic form. 



