Category:Enteritis, Catarrhal

General

Catarrhal enteritis is particularly common in farm animals, especially in the first few days of life.
The combination of the outpouring of protein rich fluid and low absorption produces rapid dehydration and often death.
The causes are numerous - some are considered below.

Hyperaemia of the gut may be visible through the serosa, although there is no external damage.
- Blood vessels are obvious
- The whole bowel appears red looking, wet shiny and oedematous.
Internally, the mucosa is oedematous with a mucoid appearance.
The exudate is initially thin and watery (i.e. serous).
- The exudate becomes more mucoid and cellular as the condition progresses.
  - Mucus coats the epithelial surface of the gut.
- As polymorphs enter the bowel contents, they may become quite opaque (i.e. mucopurulent).
In older cases of catarrhal enteritis epithelial cells are lost.
- Villi become stubby.
- Mucosa may appear quite shiny.