CHAPTER VI 



The Abdomen — G)ntinucd 



The Stomach 



EXAMINATION. 



No satisfactory examination of the stomach can be made by 

 palpation owing to the remote position of the cardiac and pyloric 

 extremities, though it is sometimes possible to distinguish neo- 

 plastic changes in emaciated animals. Pressure over the region 

 of the organ is productive of pain in some conditions. The char- 

 acter of the vomitus is of considerable assistance in the establish- 

 ment of diagnosis, and must always be taken into consideration, 

 while the Roentgen rays can always be employed for the detection 

 of the presence of foreign bodies. 



TBAUMATIC LESIONS. 



Wounds caused by the passage of projectiles and sharp or 

 pointed implements are of occasional occurrence. Perforation of 

 the wall is always dangerous owing to escape of infective matter 

 into the peritoneal cavity and resultant peritonitis. In general, it 

 may be said that injuries of the stomach are far more serious than 

 those of the intestine, bladder, or uterus. 



Symptoms and Diagnosis. Hematemesis usually takes place, 

 and there may be escape of contents of the organ through the ex- 

 ternal wound if the latter is large enough. Any decided penetrat- 

 ing wound of the abdominal wall should be explored by celiotomy. 



Treatment. Inversion of the edges of the wound and gastror- 

 raphy are indicated. The peritoneum, if soiled, must also be 

 cleaned or irrigated with sterilized water. 



PEPTIC XJLCER. 



Ulceration of the mucosa of the stomach in conjunction with 



