Inflammation of the omasum is indicated by relative loss of appetite, marked thirst, general atony, and diffuse and vague sensitiveness in the inferior half of the right hypochondrium (zone of the asternal ribs). There are no pathognomonic symptoms.
Obstruction has also been described as accompanied by loss of appetite, constipation, the passage of black, coated, fœtid and sometimes blood-streaked fæces, symptoms of chronic tympanites with fœtid eructations and sometimes vomiting. These sometimes accompany hydrochloric acid dyspepsia, a form of chronic gastritis, and, from our standpoint, the stagnation of food in the omasum is only secondary. We therefore interpret the facts in quite a different manner, and believe that only by a rational and physiological interpretation of the symptoms observed can one diagnose the condition.
Diagnosis. The diagnosis of inflammation of the omasum can only be made by a process of exclusion; and although we are admittedly dealing with a condition secondary to disturbance of the rumen and reticulum, or on the other hand consecutive to inflammatory states or to modifications in the secretion of the abomasum (dyspepsia), the diagnosis does not present insuperable difficulties.
The prognosis is only grave when the primary acute or chronic conditions of the other gastric compartments are serious.
The lesions comprise abnormal vascularity of the mucous membrane and desquamation, and even gangrene, of the leaves. The partially digested food is not passed on, becomes dry and hard, and in time aggravates the local condition.
The treatment does not essentially differ from that of other gastric inflammations. The object to be attained is to evacuate as completely as possible, not only the omasum, but all the gastric reservoirs, for which purpose one may freely administer demulcent drinks—linseed gruel, bran mashes and lukewarm liquids containing laxatives. At first such alkaloids as arecolin and pilocarpine may be subcutaneously injected to ensure energetic and speedy evacuation.
Later on slightly stimulant aromatic infusions, like infusions of sage, peppermint, hyssop, thyme, etc., stimulate the functions of the stomach and hasten the return of normal conditions.
ACUTE GASTRITIS.
The term “acute gastritis,” sometimes “gastro-enteritis,” is used in bovine pathology to indicate inflammation of the abomasum. If this inflammation is confined to the superficial epithelial layers it is defined as superficial catarrh of the abomasum; if, on the contrary, it extends to the deep epithelium of the gastric glands and to the mucous corium, it is termed deep-seated gastritis.
Clinically it is impossible to make these distinctions. We simply recognise degrees of gravity, and only in this way can one diagnose acute gastritis, phlegmonous gastritis, ulcerative gastritis, etc.