DISEASES OF THE DIGESTIVE SYSTEM
The organs that form the digestive tract are the mouth, pharynx,
oesophagus, stomach, intestines and the annexed glands, viz.: the salivary,
liver, and pancreas. The development of these organs differs in the
different species of animals. For example, solipeds possess a small, simple
stomach and capacious, complicated intestines. Just the opposite is true of
ruminants. The different species of ruminants possess a large, complicated
stomach, and comparatively simple intestines. In swine we meet with a more
highly developed stomach than that of solipeds and a more simple intestinal
tract. Of all domestic animals the most simple digestive tract occurs in
the dog. These variations in the development of the different organs of
digestion, together with the difference in the character of the feed and
method of feeding, cause a variation in the kind of diseases met with in
the different species. The complicated stomach of ruminants predispose them
to diseases of this portion of the digestive tract. Because of their
complicated intestinal tract solipeds are prone to intestinal disease.
DISEASES OF THE MOUTH
GENERAL DISCUSSION.--The mouth is the first division of the digestive
tract. It is formed by the lips, cheeks, palate, soft palate, tongue and
teeth. Here the feed is acted on mechanically. It is broken up by the teeth
and moved about until mixed with the saliva and put into condition to pass
through the pharynx and along the oesophagus to the stomach. The mechanical
change that the feed is subject to is very imperfect in dogs. In the horse
it is a slow, thorough process, although greedy feeders are not uncommon.
The first mastication in the ox is three times quicker than in horses, but
the process of rumination is slow and thorough.
STOMATITIS.--Simple inflammation of the mouth is frequently met with in
horses. Ulcerative or infectious inflammation commonly occurs in young, and
occasionally in old, debilitated animals. This form of sore mouth will be
discussed along with other infectious diseases, and the following
discussion will be confined to the non-infectious form of the disease.
_The causes_ are irritation from the bit, sharp teeth, irritating drenches,
roughage that contains beards or awns of grasses and grains, and burrs that
wound the lining membrane of the mouth. Febrile, or digestive disorders, or
any condition that may interfere with feeding, may cause this disorder. In
the latter cases the mucous membrane of the mouth is not cleansed by the
saliva. Particles of feed may decompose and irritating organisms set up an
inflammation. Putrid or decomposed slops, hot feeds, irritating drenches
and drinking from filthy wallows are common causes of inflammation of the
mouth in hogs.
_The symptoms_ vary in the different cases and species. Slight or localized
inflammation of the mouth is usually overlooked by the attendant. Lampas of
horses may be considered a local inflammation involving the palate.
Lacerations of the cheek or tongue by the teeth, or irritating feed,
usually result in a slight interference with prehension and mastication and
more or less salivation. Salivation from this cause should not be confused
with salivation resulting from feeding on white clover.
In generalized inflammation of the mucous membrane, the first symptom
usually noticed is the inability to eat. On examining the mouth we find the
mucous membrane inflamed, hot and dry. A part may appear coated. In a short
time the odor from the mouth is fetid. Following this dry stage of the
inflammation is the period of salivation. Saliva dribbles from the mouth,
and in severe cases it is mixed with white, stringy shreds of epithelium
and tinged with blood. In less acute forms of the disease, we may notice
little blisters or vesicles scattered over the lining membrane of the lips,
cheeks and tongue.
The acute form of stomatitis runs a short course, usually a few days, and
responds readily to treatment. Localized inflammation caused by irritation
from teeth, or feeding irritating feeds, does not respond so readily to
treatment.
_The treatment_ is largely preventive and consists largely in removing the
cause. When the mouth is inflamed, roughage should be fed rather sparingly,
and soft feeds such as slops, mashes, or gruels given in place of the
regular diet. Plenty of clean drinking water should be provided. In the way
of medicinal treatment antiseptic and astringent washes are indicated. A
four per cent water solution of boric acid may be used, or a one-half per
cent water solution of a high grade coal-tar disinfectant. The mouth should
be thoroughly irrigated twice daily until the mucous surfaces appear
normal.
DEPRAVED APPETITE
A depraved appetite is met with in all species of farm animals, but it is
especially common in ruminants. It should not be classed as a disease, but
more correctly as a bad habit, or symptom of innutrition or indigestion.
The animals affected seem to have an irresistible desire to lick, chew and
swallow indigestible and disgusting objects.
_The common cause_ of depraved appetite is the feeding of a ration
deficient in certain food elements. A ration deficient in protein or in
salts is said to cause this disorder. Lack of exercise, or confinement,
innutrition, and a depraved sense of taste may favor the development of
this disease. For example, when sheep are housed closely they may contract
the habit of chewing one another's fleeces. Lambs are especially apt to
contract this habit when suckling ewes that have on their udders long wool
soiled with urine and faeces.
_The first symptom_ is the desire to chew, lick or eat indigestible or
filthy substances. Horses and cattle may stand and lick a board for an hour
or more; cattle may chew the long hair from the tails of horses; sheep may
nibble wool; sows may within a short time after giving birth to their pigs,
kill and eat them; chickens may pick and eat feathers. Innutrition may
accompany the abnormal appetite, as very frequently the affected animal
shows a disposition to leave its feed in order to eat these injurious and
innutritions substances. In ruminants, the wool or hair may form balls and
obstruct the opening into the third compartment, causing chronic
indigestion and death.
_The treatment_ consists in the removal of the cause. Feeding a ration that
meets the needs of the system, clean quarters and plenty of exercise are
the most important preventive lines of treatment. In such cases medicinal
treatment (saline and bitter tonics) may be indicated. It is usually
advisable to remove the affected animals from the herd or flock in order to
prevent others from imitating them.
DISEASES OF THE STOMACH
There is a remarkable difference in the development of the stomachs of
solipeds and ruminants.
The horse's stomach (Fig. 8) is simple and has a capacity of three or four
gallons. The left portion is lined with a cuticular mucous membrane, and
the right portion with a glandular mucous membrane that has in it the
glands that secrete the gastric juice. The most important digestive change
in the feed is the action of the gastric juice on the proteids and their
conversion into the simpler products, proteoses and peptones.
[Illustration: FIG. 8.--Photograph of model of horse's stomach: left
portion, oesophagus, right portion, and intestine.]
[Illustration: FIG. 9.--Photograph of model of stomach of ruminant: rumen,
reticulum, omasum, and abomasum.]
[Illustration: FIG. 10.--A section of the wall of the rumen and reticulum,
showing the oesophageal groove: lips of groove; opening from
oesophagus; and opening into omasum.]
RUMINANTS have a compound stomach (Figs. 9 and 10). The capacity of the
stomach of the ox is between twenty and thirty gallons. The four
compartments into which it is divided are the rumen, reticulum, omasum, and
abomasum or true stomach. The rumen is the largest compartment, with a
capacity of more than twenty gallons. The reticulum is the smallest, with a
capacity of about one-half gallon.
After a brief mastication, the food passes directly to the _rumen_. Here it
is subjected to a churning movement that mixes and presses the contents of
the rumen forward in the direction of the oesophageal opening, where it is
ready for regurgitation. It is then carried back to the mouth, remasticated
and returned to the rumen. This is termed rumination. All food material
that is sufficiently broken up is directed toward the opening into the
third compartment by the oesophageal grove (Fig. 10), a demi-canal that
connects this with the oesophageal opening.
The third compartment, the _omasum_, communicates anteriorly with the
second and first, and posteriorly with the fourth compartment or true
stomach. The interior arrangement of this compartment is most singular. It
is divided by a number of large folds of the lining membrane between which
are smaller folds. It is between these folds that the contents pass.
The first three compartments possess no glands capable of secreting a
digestive juice. However, important digestive changes occur. The
carbohydrates are digested by means of enzymes contained in the feed. The
most important function of the rumen and omasum is the maceration of the
fibrous substances, and the digestion of the cellulose. Between sixty and
seventy per cent of the cellulose is digested in the rumen.
_The abomasum_ is lined by a gastric mucous membrane. The gastric juice
secreted converts the protein into peptones. In the young a milk curdling
ferment is also secreted by the glands of this compartment.
THE STOMACH OF THE HOG is a type between the carnivora and ruminant. The
digestive changes may be divided into four stages. The first period is one
of starch conversion; the second period is the same, only more pronounced;
the third period, both starch and protein conversion occurs; and the fourth
period is taken up mostly with protein digestion.
ACUTE INDIGESTION OF THE STOMACH OF SOLIPEDS.--Diseases of the stomach are
less common in solipeds than in ruminants. The simple stomach of the horse
and the comparatively unimportant place that it occupies in the digestion
of the feed renders it less subject to disease. Only under the most
unfavorable conditions for digestion of the feed does this class of
disorders occur. Acute indigestion in the form of overloading and
fermentation occurs in the stomach (Fig. 11).
_The predisposing causes_ that have to do with the development of these
disorders, are the small capacity of the stomach and the location and
smallness of the openings leading from the oesophagus and into the small
intestines. Greedy eaters are more prone to indigestion than animals that
eat slowly and are fed intelligently.
[Illustration: FIG. 11.--Dilated stomach of horse.]
_The following exciting causes_ may be mentioned: Sudden changes in ration;
feeding too much green feed or grain; feeding frozen or decomposed feeds;
drinking ice-cold water; and violent exercise or work that the animal is
not accustomed to, immediately after feeding are the common
disease-producing factors.
_The symptoms_ may vary from impaired appetite and slight restlessness to
violent, colicky pains. In the large majority of cases the attendant is
unable to differentiate between this and other forms of acute indigestion.
The characteristic symptoms are attempts at regurgitation and vomiting,
assuming a dog-sitting position and finally such nervous symptoms as
champing of the jaws, staggering movement and extreme dulness.
The violent form of gastric indigestion frequently ends in death. Rupture
of the stomach is not an uncommon complication (Fig. 12).
[Illustration: FIG. 12.--Rupture of stomach of horse.]
_The treatment_ is both preventive and medicinal. This digestive disorder
can be prevented. The feeding of the right kind of a ration and in the
right way, and avoiding conditions that may interfere with the digestion of
the feed, are the general lines of preventive treatment indicated. Such
measures are of special importance in the handling of animals that possess
an individual predisposition toward this class of disease. In mild attacks
the animal should be subjected to a rigid or careful diet during the attack
and for a few days later.
It is advisable to place the animal in a comfortable stall that is well
bedded with straw and plenty large for it to move about in. If a roomy
sick-stall can not be provided, a grass lot or barn floor may be used. If
the weather is chilly or cold, the body should be covered with a blanket
and roller bandages applied to the limbs.
Bulky drenches should not be given. Stimulants and drugs capable of
retarding fermentation are indicated. Sometimes the administration of a
sedative is indicated. Treatment should be prompt, as in many cases
fermentation of the contents of the stomach occurs and gases form rapidly.
From two to four ounces of oil of turpentine may be given in from six to
eight ounces of linseed oil.
ACUTE INDIGESTION OF THE STOMACH OF RUMINANTS.--The different forms of
acute indigestion are bloating, overloading of the rumen and impaction of
the omasum.
TYMPANITES, "BLOATING."--This disorder is usually caused by animals feeding
on green feeds, such as clover, alfalfa and green corn, that ferment
readily. Stormy, rainy weather seems to favor bloating. The consumption of
spoiled feeds such as potatoes and beets may cause it. The drinking of a
large quantity of water, especially if cold, chills the wall of the rumen
and interferes with its movement. Frozen feeds may act in the same way.
Sudden changes in the feed, inflammation of the rumen, and a weak
peristaltic movement of the paunch resulting from disease or insufficient
nourishment are frequent causes. It may occur in chronic disease. In
tuberculosis, bloating sometimes occurs.
_The symptoms_ are as follows: The paunch or rumen occupies the left side
of the abdominal cavity, hence the distention of the abdominal wall by the
collecting of gas in the rumen occurs principally on that side. The gas
forms quickly and the distended wall is highly elastic and resonant. The
animal stops eating and ruminating, the back may be arched and the ears
droop. In the more severe cases the wall of the abdomen is distended on
both sides, the respirations are quickened and labored, the pulse small and
quick, the eyes are prominent and the mucous membrane congested. Death
results from asphyxia brought on by the distended paunch pushing forward
and interfering with the movement of the lungs and the absorption of the
poisonous gases.
_The treatment_ is both preventive and medicinal. This form of acute
indigestion can be largely prevented by practising the following preventive
measures: All changes in the feed should be made gradually, especially if
the ration fed is heavy, or the new ration consists largely of green,
succulent feed. Cattle pasturing on clover should be kept under close
observation. It is not advisable to pasture cattle on rank growths of
clover that are wet with dew or a light rain. Bloating can be quickly
relieved by puncturing the wall of the paunch with the trocar and cannula.
The operation is quite simple and is not followed by bad results. The
instrument is plunged through the walls of the abdomen and rumen in the
most prominent portion of the flank, midway between the border of the last
rib and the point of the haunch (Fig. 13). The trocar is then withdrawn
from the cannula. After the gas has escaped through the cannula, the trocar
is replaced and the instrument withdrawn. After using the trocar and
cannula, the instrument should be cleaned by placing it in boiling hot
water. It is advisable to wash the skin at the seat of the operation with a
disinfectant before operating. In chronic tympanitis, it is sometimes
advisable to leave the cannula in position by tying a tape to the flange,
passing it around the body and tying.
As a cathartic for cattle, we may give one quart of linseed and from two to
four ounces of turpentine, or one to two pounds of Epsom or Glauber's
salts, dissolved in plenty of water. Sheep may be given about one-fourth
the dose recommended for cattle.
[Illustration: FIG. 13.--The X indicates the point where the wall of flank
and rumen are punctured with trocar and cannula in "bloat."]
OVERLOADING THE RUMEN.--This form of indigestion occurs when ruminants have
access to feeds that they are not accustomed to. As a result, they eat
greedily and the mass of feed in the rumen becomes so heavy that the walls
of the organ can not move it about, and digestion is interfered with. This
is especially true of succulent feeds. A diseased condition of the animal
predisposes it to this disorder. If after eating an excessive amount of
dry, innutritions fodder, the animal drinks freely of cold water, acute
symptoms of overloading are manifested.
_The general symptoms_ occurring in overloading resembles those seen in
bloating. The symptoms may be mild and extend over a period of several
days, or it may take on a highly acute form, terminating fatally within a
few hours. The acuteness of the attack depends on the character and
quantity of feed eaten. If a large quantity of green feed is eaten,
fermentation occurs and the animal may die within a few hours. The swelling
on the left side has a doughy feel. It is not as elastic and resonant as in
bloat, even when complicated by some gas formation. The animal may stop
ruminating, refuse to eat, and act dull. In the more severe cases the
respirations are hurried and labored, the pulse small and quick and the
expression of the face indicates pain. Colicky pains sometimes occur. Death
may occur from shock or asphyxia.
_The treatment_ is both preventive and curative. This disease can be
prevented by using the necessary precautions to prevent animals from
overeating. If gas forms, the trocar and cannula should be used. A drench
of from one to two pounds of Epsom or Glauber's salts should be given.
Sheep may be given from four to six ounces of Epsom or Glauber's salts. We
should endeavor to stimulate the movement of the paunch by pressure on the
flank with the hand, throwing cold water on the wall of the abdomen and by
hypodermic injections of strychnine. Rumenotomy should be performed when
necessary. This operation consists in opening the walls of the abdomen and
rumen, and removing a part of the contents of the rumen. This is not a
dangerous operation when properly performed, and should not be postponed
until the animal is too weak to make a recovery.
IMPACTION OF THE OMASUM.--This disease may occur as a complication of other
forms of acute indigestion and diseases accompanied by an abnormal body
temperature. Feeds that are dry and innutritions commonly cause it. Other
causes are an excessive quantity of feed, sudden changes in the diet and
drinking an insufficient quantity of water.
As in other diseases of the stomach, the appetite is diminished, rumination
ceases or occurs at irregular intervals, and the animal is more or less
feverish. Bloating and constipation may occur. The animal may lose flesh,
is weak, walks stiffly and grunts as though in pain when it moves about in
the stall and at each respiration. In the acute form, marked symptoms are
sometimes manifested. At first the animal acts drowsy; later violent
nervous symptoms may develop.
_The course_ of this disease varies from a few days to several weeks. Death
frequently occurs. Frequently a diarrhoea accompanies recovery, a portion
of the faeces appearing black with polished surfaces, as though they had
been baked.
_The preventive treatment_ consists in practising the necessary precautions
against the development of this disease by avoiding sudden changes in the
feed, the feeding of dry, innutritions feeds in too large amounts, allowing
animals plenty of water and providing them with salt. The best purgative to
give is Glauber's or Epsom salts in from one- to two-pound doses, dissolved
in at least one gallon of water. This physic may be repeated in from twelve
to eighteen hours if necessary. Two drachms of tincture of nux vomica and
one ounce of alcohol may be given in a drench three times daily. Hypodermic
injections of strychnine, eserine, or pilocarpine are useful in the
treatment of this disease. When recovery begins, the animal should be
allowed moderate exercise and be fed food of a laxative nature.
FOREIGN BODIES IN THE STOMACH OF RUMINANTS.--Foreign bodies such as hair
balls and wire are very commonly found in the reticulum. This is because of
the habits of this class of animals. Cattle eat their feed hastily and do
not pick it over as carefully as does the horse.
Smooth, round objects do no appreciable harm unless they block the opening
into the third compartment of the stomach. This frequently occurs in
wool-eating lambs. Sharp-pointed objects may penetrate the surrounding
tissues or such organs as the spleen, diaphragm, and pericardial sack. If
these organs are injured by the foreign body serious symptoms develop. The
_general symptoms_ are pain, fever, weakness and marked emaciation. It is
very difficult to form a correct diagnosis, as the disease comes on without
any apparent cause. Sometimes a swelling is noticed in the right and
inferior abdominal region. If the heart becomes injured, symptoms of
pericarditis are manifested.
_The treatment_ is largely preventive. Special care should be used to avoid
getting foreign substances into the feed given to cattle. The feed troughs
should be kept clean; we should avoid dropping nails and staples into the
feed when repairing the silo or grain bin; and pieces of baling wire should
be removed from straw or hay. Feeds known to be dirty should be run through
a fanning mill before feeding.
INFLAMMATION OF THE STOMACH OF SWINE.--Overloading and feeding spoiled feed
are _common causes_ of inflammation of the stomach. Swill-fed hogs are most
commonly affected with this disorder. Overloading more often results in an
inflammation of the stomach if the overloading follows the feeding of a
light ration, and the weather is extremely warm. Hogs that are accustomed
to eating salt may eat too much of it when fed to them after it is withheld
for a week or longer, and a large quantity of water is taken soon
afterwards. Slop containing alkaline washing powders and soaps irritate the
stomach and intestines and cause a serious inflammation.
_The symptoms_ are loss of appetite, restlessness and sometimes colicky
pains. The hog usually wanders off by itself, acts dull, grunts, lies down
in a quiet place or stands with the back arched and the abdomen held tense.
Vomiting commonly occurs. Sometimes the animal has a diarrhoea. The body
temperature may be above normal.
_The treatment_ consists in avoiding irritating feeds and sudden changes in
the kind or quantity of feed fed. Drenching with hot water, or with about
one ounce of ipecacuan may be practised. From one to three ounces of castor
oil, depending on the size of the hog, may be given. After recovery the
hogs should be confined in a comfortable pen and fed an easily digested
ration.
DISEASES OF THE INTESTINES
GENERAL DISCUSSION.--The intestinal tract of solipeds is the best developed
of any of the domestic animals (Fig. 14). It is divided into two portions,
_small_ and _large_. The _small intestine_ is a little over seventy feet in
length and about one and one-half inches in diameter. The mucous membrane
lining presents a large absorbing surface and is well supplied with
absorbing vessels that take up the sugars, proteids and fats, which are
finally distributed to the body cells by the blood capillaries. In addition
to these absorbing vessels the mucous membrane contains intestinal glands
that secrete the intestinal juice. Other digestive secretions from the
pancreatic gland and the liver are poured into the small intestine near its
origin. These digestive juices act on the proteids, sugars, starches and
fats, changing them into substances that are capable of being absorbed.
[Illustration: FIG. 14.--Photograph of model of digestive tract of horse:
oesophagus; stomach; liver; small intestine; large intestine; spleen.]
After disengaging itself from the mass of loops lodged in the region of the
left flank, the small intestine crosses to the region of the right flank,
where it terminates in the first division of the large intestine.
_The large intestine_ is formed by the following divisions: caecum, double
colon, floating colon and rectum. The caecum is a large blind pouch that
has a capacity of about seven gallons. The double colon is the largest
division of the intestines. It is about twelve feet in length and has a
capacity of about eighteen gallons. This portion of the intestine
terminates in the region of the left flank in the floating colon. The
latter is about ten feet in length and about twice the diameter of the
small intestine, from which it can readily be distinguished by its
sacculated walls. The rectum is the terminal portion of the intestinal
tract. It is about one and one-half feet in length and possesses heavy,
elastic walls.
Fermentation and cellulose digestion occur in the caecum and double colon.
It is in the floating colon that the faeces are moulded into balls. The
faeces are retained in the rectum until defecation takes place.
The _intestinal tract of cattle_ is longer than that of solipeds and the
different divisions are not as well defined as in the horse's intestine and
about one-half its diameter. The large intestine is about thirty-five feet
in length and its capacity six or seven gallons (Fig. 15).
ACUTE INTESTINAL INDIGESTION OF SOLIPEDS.--Acute indigestion is more common
in horses and mules than it is in any of the other domestic animals.
Because of the difference in the causes and symptoms manifested, we may
divide it into the following forms: spasmodic, flatulent and obstruction
colic.
_The predisposing causes_ are general and digestive debility resulting from
the feeding of an insufficient or unsuitable ration, and general and
parasitic diseases of the intestine. Nervous, well-bred horses are most
susceptible to nervous or spasmodic colic.
_The direct causes_ are improper methods of feeding and watering; giving
the animal severe or unusual exercise immediately before or after feeding;
the feeding of spoiled or green feeds and new grains; chilling of the body;
imperfect mastication of feed because of defective teeth; obstruction of
the intestine by worms.
The feeding of grain at a time when the animal is not in fit condition to
digest it results in imperfect digestion in both the stomach and intestine.
This leads to irritation of the intestine and abnormal fermentation of its
contents. The drinking of a large quantity of water immediately after
feeding grain flushes at least a part of the undigested grain from the
stomach through the small intestine and into the caecum. New grains, such
as new oats, are hurried along the small intestine and reach the large
intestine practically undigested. The two latter conditions are common
causes of _flatulent_ or _wind colic_. Sudden change in the ration,
especially to a green feed, may result in intestinal irritation and
flatulence.
[Illustration: FIG. 15.--Photograph of model of digestive tract of
ruminant: oesophagus; rumen; reticulum; omasum; abomasum; small intestine;
and large intestine.]
Horses that are greedy feeders and have sharp, uneven, smooth or diseased
teeth are unable to masticate the feed properly. This results in
unthriftiness caused by imperfect digestion and assimilation of the feed.
Such animals usually suffer from a catarrhal or chronic inflammation of the
intestine, and may have periodic attacks of acute indigestion or colic.
_Obstruction colic_ is very often caused by the feeding of too much
roughage in the form of straw, shredded fodder, or hay. Debility often
contributes to this form of indigestion, and the double colon may become
badly impacted with alimentary matter.
Worms may irritate the intestinal mucous membrane and interfere with
digestion, obstruct the intestine and cause debility and circulatory
disturbances. The large round worm may form a tangled mass and completely
fill a portion of the double colon.
[Illustration: FIG. 16.--A yearling colt that died of aneurism colic.]
Some species attach themselves to the intestinal wall, suck the blood of
the host and cause anaemia and debility. Colic resulting from _circulatory
disturbances_ is not common. The female of a certain species of
_strongulus_ deposits eggs in the mucous membrane. On hatching, the larvae
may enter a blood capillary, drift along in the blood stream and finally
come to rest in a large blood-vessel that supplies a certain portion of the
intestines with blood. Here the parasite develops. The wall of the vessel
becomes irritated and inflamed, pieces of fibrin flake off and drift along
the blood stream until finally a vessel too small for the floating particle
to pass through is reached and the vessel becomes plugged. The loop of
intestine supplied by it receives no blood. A temporary paralysis of the
loop occurs, which persists until a second vessel is able to take over the
function of the one that is plugged. This form of colic is most common in
old horses (Fig. 16).
Such complications of acute indigestion as _twisting, infolding_ and
_displacement of the intestine_ may occur. It is not uncommon for a
stallion to suffer from strangulated hernia, due to a rather large internal
inguinal ring and a loop of the intestine passing through it and into the
inguinal canal or scrotum. Such displacements are usually accompanied by
severe colicky pains.
_The symptoms_ vary in the different cases. In the mild form, the colicky
pains are not prominent, but in the acute form, the animal is restless,
getting up and down in the stall and rolling over. These movements are
especially marked when the abdominal pain is severe.
_In the spasmodic form_ the attack comes on suddenly, the colicky pains are
severe, and the peristaltic movement of the intestine is marked and
accompanied by loud intestinal sounds. In most cases of indigestion
characterized by fermentation and collections of gas in the intestine there
is gastric tympany as well.
Acute indigestion characterized by _impaction_ of the large intestine
pursues a longer course than the forms just mentioned, and the abdominal
pain is not severe.
_Congestion and inflammation_ of the intestine may result from the
irritation produced by the feed. When this occurs, the abdominal pain is
less violent. The animal usually acts dull, the walk is slow and unsteady,
and the respirations and pulse beats may be quickened.
A large percentage of the cases of acute indigestion terminate fatally. The
course of the disease varies from a few hours to several days.
_The treatment_ is both _preventive_ and _curative_. The preventive
treatment is by far the most important. This consists in observing right
methods of feeding and caring for horses. The attendant should note the
condition of the animal before feeding grain, feed regularly and avoid
sudden changes in feed. If a horse has received unusual exercise, it is
proper to feed hay first, and when the animal is cooled out, water and feed
grain. Drinking a small quantity of water when tired or following a meal is
not injurious, but a large quantity of water taken at such times is
injurious and dangerous to the health of the animal. The feeding of spoiled
or mouldy feeds to horses is highly injurious.
The horse should be given a roomy, comfortable stall that is well bedded,
or a clean grass lot. If the attack appears when the animal is in harness,
we should stop working it and remove the harness immediately. Work or
exercise usually aggravates the case and may cause congestion and
inflammation of important body organs. In cold weather the animal should be
protected by blankets. If the pain is violent, sedatives may be given. The
gaseous disturbances should be relieved by puncturing the wall of the
intestine with the trocar and cannula. Rectal injections of cold water may
be resorted to. Fluid extract of cannabis indica in quarter ounce doses and
repeated in one hour may be given in linseed oil. In all cases it is
advisable to drench the animal with one pint of raw linseed oil and two
ounces of turpentine. Strychnine, eserine and pilocarpine are the drugs
commonly used by the veterinarians in the treatment of acute indigestion.
Small and repeated doses of the above drugs are preferred to large doses.
This is one of the diseases that requires prompt and skilled attention.
Sharp, uneven or diseased teeth should receive the necessary attention. In
old horses, chopped hay or ground feeds should be fed when necessary.
Debility resulting from hard work, wrong methods of feeding and intestinal
disorders must be corrected before the periodic attacks of indigestion can
be relieved. If the presence of intestinal worms is suspected, the
necessary treatment for ridding the animal of these parasites should be
resorted to.
Bitter or saline tonics should be administered in the feed when necessary.
The following formula is useful as a digestive tonic: Sodium bicarbonate
and sodium sulfate, one pound of each, powdered gentian one-half pound, and
oil meal five pounds. A small handful of this mixture may be given with the
feed two or three times daily.
INFLAMMATION OF THE INTESTINES.--The same causes mentioned in inflammation
of the stomach and acute indigestion may cause this disease. It is most
frequent at times when there are great variations in the temperature.
Sudden cold or any influence that chills the surface of the body, or
internal cold caused by drinking ice water or eating frozen feed, may cause
it. The infectious forms of enteritis are caused by germs and ptomaines in
the feed. Drinking filthy water or eating spoiled, mouldy feeds are common
causes. In cattle pasturing in low, marshy places, enteritis may be common.
The toxic form is caused by irritating poisons, such as caustic acids,
alkalies and meat brine.
_In the mild form of enteritis_ the appetite is irregular, the animal acts
dull and stupid and may be noticed lying down more than common. Slight
abdominal pains occur, especially following a meal. An elevation in the
body temperature may be noted and the animal may drink more water than
usual. Constipation or a slight diarrhoea may be present. The feces may be
soft and foul smelling, coated with mucus, and slightly discolored with
blood.
_In the severe form of enteritis_ pressure on the abdomen may cause pain,
the respiration and pulse beats are quickened and the body temperature is
elevated. The abdominal pain may be severe and the animal is greatly
depressed or acts dull. The movement of the intestines is suppressed at
first and constipation occurs. Fermentation and the formation of gas may
take place. Later the intestinal peristalsis increases and a foul-smelling
diarrhoea sets in that is often mixed with blood. In the toxic form there
may be marked nervous symptoms. Spasms, convulsions, stupefaction and coma
may be manifested.
In the mild form recovery usually occurs within a few days. The more
serious forms of the disease do not terminate so favorably. In the toxic
form death usually occurs within a few days.
The large majority of cases of enteritis can be prevented by practising the
necessary _preventive measures_. It is very necessary that animals exposed
to cold be provided with dry sleeping quarters that are free from draughts.
Where a number of animals are fed a heavy grain ration, or fed from the
same trough, they should be kept under close observation. This is necessary
in order to detect cases of indigestion or overfeeding early, and resort to
the necessary lines of treatment, so as to prevent further irritation to
the intestinal tract. Live stock should not be forced to drink water that
is ice-cold. Low, poorly-drained land is not a safe pasture for cattle and
horses. Spoiled roots, grains and silage, mouldy, dirty roughage and
decomposed slops should not be fed to live stock.
_The treatment_ consists in withholding all feed and giving the animal
comfortable, quiet quarters--warm quarters and protection from the cold,
providing the animal with a heavy straw bed, or with blankets if necessary,
if the weather is cold. From five to forty grains of calomel may be given,
depending upon the size of the animal and the frequency of the dose, two or
three times a day. In case the animal is suffering severe pain, morphine
given hypodermically may be indicated. In the mild form and at the very
beginning of the attack, linseed oil may be administered to the larger
animals. The dose is about one quart. The smaller animals may be given
castor oil in from one- to four-ounce doses.
When convalescence is reached the animal should be fed very carefully, as
the digestive tract is not in condition to digest heavy rations or feeds
that ferment readily.
DIARRHOEA.--Diarrhoea occurs as a symptom of irritation and inflammation of
the intestinal mucous membrane. Sudden changes in the feed, the feeding of
a succulent green ration, severe exercise when the animal is not in
condition for it, and chronic indigestion may cause diarrhoea in the
absence of an intestinal inflammation.
_The following symptoms_ may be noted: Animals affected by a diarrhoea act
dull and weak; thirst is increased and the animal may show evidence of
fever; the intestinal evacuations are soft, thin, and sometimes have an
offensive odor. If the diarrhoea continues for several days, the animal
loses flesh rapidly and the appetite is irregular. In such cases weakness
is a prominent symptom.
Recovery usually occurs when the animal is dieted and rested.
_The treatment_ consists in giving a physic of linseed or castor oil.
Horses and cattle may be given from one-half to one quart of linseed oil;
sheep and hogs from one to four ounces of castor oil. Feed should be
withheld. Morphine may be given hypodermically to the large animals after a
period of six to eight hours following the administration of the physic.
The following formula is quite useful in checking diarrhoea: salol one-half
ounce, bismuth subnitrate one ounce, and bicarbonate of soda two ounces.
The dose of this mixture is from one to four drachms, depending on the size
of the animal, three or four times a day.
WHITE SCOURS OR DIARRHOEA IN YOUNG ANIMALS.--Young animals, when nursing
the mother or fed by hand, frequently develop congestion and inflammation
of the stomach and intestines. This disorder is characterized by a
diarrhoea.
_The causes_ may be grouped under two heads: wrong methods of feeding and
care, and specific infection.
The first milk of the mother is a natural laxative and aids in ridding the
intestine of the young of such waste material (meconium) as collects during
fetal life. If this milk is withheld, the intestine becomes irritated,
constipation occurs, followed by a diarrhoea or serious symptoms of a
nervous character, caused by the poisonous effect of the toxic substances
absorbed from the intestine on the nervous system.
Changes in the ration fed the mother, excitement, unusual exercise and
disease change the composition of the mother's milk. Such milk is
irritating to the stomach and intestines of the young. This irritation does
not always develop into a diarrhoea, but may result in a congestion of the
stomach.
When the young are raised artificially or by hand, and fed milk from
different mothers of the same or different species, or changed from whole
to skim milk, acute and chronic digestive disorders that are accompanied by
a diarrhoea are common. Feeding calves from filthy pails, allowing them to
drink too rapidly and giving them fermented milk are common causes of
scours.
White scours caused by irritating germs is a highly infectious disease. The
disease-producing germs gain entrance to the body by way of the digestive
tract and the umbilical cord.
Insanitary conditions, such as dark, cold, damp, filthy quarters, lower the
vitality of young animals, and predispose them to digestive disorders as
well as other diseases.
_The symptoms_ are as follows: Constipation accompanied by a feverish
condition precedes the diarrhoea; colicky pains are sometimes manifested;
the diarrhoea is usually accompanied by depression, falling off in appetite
and weakness. At first the intestinal discharges are not very foul
smelling; later the odor is very disagreeable. The faeces may be made up
largely of undigested, decomposed milk that adheres to the tail and hind
parts. If the diarrhoea is severe, the animal refuses to suckle or drink
from the pail, and loses flesh rapidly. It is usually found lying down. The
ears droop and the depression is marked. The body temperature may vary from
several degrees above to below the average normal.
_The infectious form_ of white scours may be diagnosed by the history of
the outbreak. In this form of the disease, a large percentage of the young
are affected and the death-rate is very high.
Calves and lambs frequently die of an acute congestion of the fourth
stomach. In this disease, the symptoms appear shortly after feeding. It is
characterized by colicky pains, convulsions and coma.
_The treatment_ is largely preventive. Young animals should be provided
with dry, clean, well-ventilated quarters and allowed plenty of exercise.
Colts thrive best if allowed to run in a blue grass pasture with the
mother. If the mother is worked, suitable provisions in the way of quarters
and frequent nursing should be provided. Calves, lambs and pigs are the
most frequent sufferers from insanitary quarters. In breeding, we should
always strive to get strong, vigorous, healthy young. The care given the
mother in the way of exercise and feeding is an important factor here.
The first milk of the mother should not be withheld from the young,
especially if the animal is raised by hand. We must also feed it regularly
and not too much at any one time. Any change in the milk should be made
gradually, and it is usually advisable to reduce the ration slightly when
such a change is made, so as not to overwork the digestive organs. Pails
and bottles from which the animal feeds should be kept clean.
Colts raised on cow's milk must be fed and cared for carefully. The milk
must be sweet and made more digestible by diluting it with one-third water.
A little sugar may be added. It is very advisable to add from one-half to
one ounce of lime water to each pint of milk fed. Frequent feeding is very
necessary at first, and we must not underestimate the quantity of milk
necessary to keep the colt in good condition. It should be taught to eat
grain as soon as possible.
Because of the irritated condition of the stomach and intestine, the animal
suffering from diarrhoea is unable to digest its feed. For this reason it
is very important to withhold all feed for at least twelve hours. Water
should be provided. The alimentary tract is relieved of the irritating
material by giving the animal a physic of castor or linseed oil. The dose
varies from one-quarter to one-half ounce for the lamb and from one to four
ounces for the colt or calf. It is advisable in most cases to follow this
with the following mixture: bicarbonate of soda one ounce, bismuth
subnitrate one-half ounce, and salol one-quarter ounce. The dose for the
colt and calf is one teaspoonful three times a day. Lambs and pigs may be
given from one-fourth to one-half the above dose.
It is usually advisable to give ewes and sows a physic if their young
develop a diarrhoea. Mothers that are heavy milkers may be given a physic
the second or third day following birth. The ration should be reduced as
well during the first week.
DISEASES OF THE DIGESTIVE TRACT OF POULTRY
GENERAL DISCUSSION.--The digestive tract of poultry is composed of the
following organs: mouth, gullet, crop, stomach, gizzard and intestines,
with the two large glands, the liver and pancreas. The digestion of the
feed begins in the crop. Here the feed is held for a short time, mixed with
certain fluids and softened. On reaching the stomach it becomes mixed with
the digestive fluid secreted by the gastric glands. This second digestive
action consists in thoroughly soaking the feed in the gastric juice, making
it soft and preparing it for maceration by the heavily muscled gizzard.
Following maceration it passes into the intestine. It is here that the
digestive action is completed and absorption occurs.
Under the conditions of domestication, poultry are subject to a great
variety of intestinal disorders.
DISEASES OF THE CROP.--Impaction and inflammation are the two common
diseases of the crop. _Large, impacted crops_ are usually caused by the
feeding of too much dry feed, fermentation of the contents of the crop and
foreign bodies that obstruct the opening from the organ.
_Inflammation of the crop_ is caused by excessive use of condiments in the
feed, putrid or spoiled feeds and eating caustic drugs, such as lime and
rat poison.
_The symptoms_ are dulness, an indisposition to move about, drooping wings
and efforts to eject gases and liquids. The crop is found greatly distended
and either hard or soft, depending on the quantity of feed present and the
cause of the distention. If fermentation is present the crop usually feels
soft.
_The preventive treatment_ consists in practising proper methods of
feeding. The _curative treatment_ of a recent case consists in manipulating
the mass of feed, breaking it up and forcing it upwards toward the mouth.
If difficulty in breaking up the mass is experienced, it is advisable to
administer a tablespoonful of castor oil to the bird.
If the above manipulations are unsuccessful, an operation is necessary.
This consists in making an opening through the skin and the wall of the
crop and removing the contents with tweezers. The opening must be closed
with sutures. The proper aseptic precautions must be observed.
In inflammation of the crop, the bird should be dieted for at least one
day, and one teaspoonful of castor oil given as a laxative.
ACUTE AND CHRONIC INDIGESTION.--The recognition of special forms of
indigestion in poultry is difficult. A flock of poultry that is subject to
careless and indifferent care may not thrive and a number of the birds
develop digestive disorders. This may be indicated by an abnormal or
depraved appetite and emaciated condition. Constipation or diarrhoea may
occur. In the more severe cases the bird acts dull, the feathers are
ruffled and it moves about very little.
_The treatment_ consists in removing the cause, and giving the flock a
tonic mixture in the feed. The following mixture may be used: powdered
gentian and powdered ginger, eight ounces of each, Glauber's salts four
ounces, and sulfate of iron two ounces. One ounce of the above mixture may
be given in ten pounds of feed.
WHITE DIARRHOEA OF YOUNG CHICKENS.--White diarrhoea is of the greatest
economic importance to the poultryman. The loss of chicks from this disease
is greater than the combined loss resulting from all other diseases. It is
stated by some authors that not less than fifty per cent of the chickens
hatched die from white diarrhoea.
Such a heavy death-rate as is attributed to this disease can not result
from improper methods of handling and insanitary conditions. Before it was
proven that white diarrhoea was caused by specific germs, a great deal of
emphasis was placed on such causes as debilitated breeding stock, improper
incubation, poorly ventilated, overcrowded brooders, too high or too low
temperatures and filth. Such conditions are important predisposing factors,
and may, in isolated cases, result in serious intestinal disorders.
_The microorganisms causing_ this disease belong to both the plant and
animal kingdoms. Infection usually occurs within a day or two following
hatching. Chicks two or three weeks of age seldom develop the acute form of
the disease. Incubator chicks are the most susceptible to the disorder.
_The following symptoms occur_: The chicks present a droopy, sleepy
appearance; the eyes are closed, and the chicks huddle together and peep
much of the time; the whitish intestinal discharge is noticed adhering to
the fluff near the margins of the vent, and the young bird is very weak;
death may occur within the first few days. After the first two weeks the
disease becomes less acute. In the highly acute form the chicks die without
showing the usual train of symptoms.
It is very easy to differentiate between the infectious and the
non-infectious diarrhoea. In the latter, the percentage of chicks affected
is small and the disease responds to treatment more readily than does the
infectious form. The death-rate in the latter form is about eighty per
cent.
_The treatment_ of diarrhoea in chicks from any cause is preventive. This
consists in removing the cause. No person can successfully handle poultry
if he does not give the necessary attention to sanitation. Poultry houses,
runs, watering fountains and feeding places must be constantly cleaned and
disinfected. The degree of attention necessary depends on the surroundings,
the crowded condition of the poultry houses and runs, and the presence of
disease in the flock. If disease is present, we can not clean and disinfect
the quarters too often. The attendant can not overlook details in handling
the incubator or brooder and feeding the chicks and be uniformly
successful.
If the disease is known to be present in the flock, the incubators and
brooders should be thoroughly disinfected by fumigating them with
formaldehyde gas. If dirty, they should first be washed with a water
solution of a good disinfectant. For a period of from twenty-four to
forty-eight hours after hatching, the chicks should receive no feed. Dr.
Kaupp recommends as an intestinal antiseptic, sulfocarbolate thirty grains,
bichloride of mercury six grains, and citric acid three grains, dissolved
in one gallon of water. This solution should be kept in front of the chicks
all the time. A water solution of powdered copper sulfate (about one-half
teaspoonful dissolved in one gallon of water) may be used.
QUESTIONS
1. Name the organs that form the digestive apparatus.
2. What digestive action on the feed occurs in the mouth?
3. Describe the causes and symptoms of inflammation of the mouth; describe
the treatment.
4. Give the causes for depraved appetite; describe the symptoms and
treatment.
5. Give the capacity of the horse's stomach.
6. Name the different compartments of the ruminant's stomach.
7. Give the capacity of the stomach of ruminants.
8. Name the different stages of digestion occurring in the stomach of the
hog.
9. What forms of acute indigestion involve the stomach of solipeds? Give
causes and treatment.
10. Give the causes of indigestion of the stomach of ruminants.
11. Give the treatment for the different forms of indigestion of the
stomach of ruminants.
12. Name the divisions of small and large intestines of solipeds and
ruminants.
13. What is the capacity and length of large intestine of solipeds and
ruminants?
14. What are the different forms of acute indigestion of the horses, and
causes?
15. Give a general line of treatment for acute indigestion of the horse.
16. Give the causes of white diarrhoea in the young chicks; give a line of
treatment.
17. Name the organs of the digestive apparatus of poultry.
18. Name the common diseases of the digestive apparatus of poultry, and
give the causes.