FAKMERS' INSTITUTES. 795 



lowing: is difficult on account of the early paralysis of the muscles of 

 deglutition. 



The duration of the disease is short. Paralysis occurs early and the 

 hog lies or hides in the litter most of the time and pays no attention to 

 Its surroundings. It becomes weak or emaciated and dies in a few days. 



Lesions.— The changes in the tissues are neither constant nor specific. 

 The most constant lesions are microscopic in character and are found in 

 the brain. A coitgested condition of the mucous membrane lining the 

 pharynx. larynx and stomach, enlargement of the spleen and hyperemia 

 of the brain are sometimes seen. Frequently the stomach contains foi'eign 

 matter, such as stones, straw, pieces of wood, etc. 



Treatment.— The treatmenf of hogs in any way is not practicable. 

 As soon as a hog develops the disease it should be destroyed or isolated 

 in order to prevent its spreading the disease. 



Tetanus. Lockjaw. Causes.— Tetanus is caused by a specific germ, 

 Bacillus tetani. This organism exists in most soils, but is more common 

 in some localities than in others. In warm climates it is more abundant 

 than in cold, and dirt rich in organic matter seems to be the favorite 

 place for it. 



It enters the body by way of a wound, sometimes so slight as to 

 escape observation. It may follow as a result of castration, in fact any 

 deep or punctured wound that is not open to the air is suitable for its 

 development. Tetanus gex'ms differ from some of the other formS of 

 germs in that they do enter the circulation and become distributed to 

 different parts of the body, but remain at the point of infection. There 

 they manufacture poisons (toxines and ptomaines), chemical products that 

 are taken up by the circulation and have an action on the nervous system 

 similar to strychnine. 



Symptoms.— The acute form of the disease is usually seen in hogs. 

 The spasms begin with the muscles of the jaws and the face, and spread 

 rapidly to other parts of the body, involving especially the back and 

 liml)s. Shortly the hog becomes unable to stand, falls on Its side and is 

 unable to get up. It remains in this position with limbs extended and 

 rigid. The respirations are labored: frothing at the mouth is noticed. 

 Convulsions may occur. The protrusion of the third eyelid is character- 

 istic of this disease. It is very fatal in pigs and they usually die in a day 

 or two. 



Treatment.— This is limited to preventive treatment, and consists in 

 taking all the necessary precautions against infection at the time of cas- 

 tration and .spaying. Medicinal treatment Is of little use. The hog should 

 be placed in a pen by itself and be kept as quiet as possible. If it will 

 f-at. a slopiiy diet should be used. The bowels must be kept open by 

 injections and cathartics. 



Simple Pyemia and Septicaemia. Blood Poisoning.— The name septi- 

 caemia and pyemia are given to morbid conditions produced by bacteria 



