10 May, 1919.] Common Ailments of the Pig. 281 



For very young pigs, the husks are rather too irritating, but soon they 

 will be able to take crushed oats. Boneraeal or phosphates should be 

 given to all growing pigs, the former for preference. This should -be 

 given regularly in the food (one tablespoonful per 100 lbs. weight of 

 pig), and will be the best safeguard against rickets. 



Apoplexy. 



This is due to congestion or a rush of blood to the brain. It is fre- 

 quently seen in young pigs in close confinement, especially when changed 

 from poor to rich and abundant feed. Worm infestation may be, if not 

 the actual cause of the trouble, at least a predisposing cause. Forcing 

 with too much animal food, such as blood and refuse from the slaughter 

 house, after a scant vegetable diet, is also a cause. It may also result 

 from sudden exertion on the part of fat animals or heavy sows, especially 

 in hot weather. Even without exertion in hot weather they are very 

 subject to it. Violent straining during parturition, especially in old 

 sows, is an occasional, and almost uniformly fatal, cause. 



The attack is usually very sudden. The animal, apparently in 

 good health, is seized with a fit, and falls to the ground, or may have a 

 brief convulsion, and stagger helplessly over. There is no effort to 

 rise; the limbs are limp, and helplessly paralyzed. The vessels of the 

 head .are engorged with blood, the lips, snout, and tongue become red 

 in colour, and afterwards livid and blue. The eyes are widely opened, 

 and display no sensibility to the touch. The breathing is slow and deep. 

 Urine passes involuntarily, also excrement from the bowels. 



ISTot much can be done for this trouble. In hot weather the pigs 

 should be provided Avith water to wallow in, and when attacked should 

 have cold water poured over the head, but not the rest of the body. 

 If the animal is properly bled, the flesh is quite good and wholesome, 

 provided no other disease inimical to human health is present. 



Rheumatism. 



Rheumatism, frequently described as '' cramp," is a constitutional 

 disorder, sometimes assuming the form of a fever. It is characterized 

 by stiffness, or more commonly lameness, which may be attended by 

 swelling of the parts. It may be acute, and quickly fatal, but mostly 

 assumes a chronic character, and continues for long periods, or dis- 

 , appears and returns again at longer or shorter intervals. Besides the 

 limbs and trunk, it sometimes affects the heart, and proves fatal. 



The direct causes are chiefly chills from exposure to cold and wet 

 after fatigue and fasting, or over-heating. Sows, when suckling, often 

 contract it if confined in small damp stuffy styes. Sprains and injuries 

 may sometimes provoke an attack of rheumatism from inaction and 

 lying in damp places. Among the more prominent symptoms are indi- 

 cations of stiffness, pain, and lameness, but the changeable character of 

 these distinguishes it from the results of accidents. There may be con- 

 siderable swelling of the joints. 



To treat this disease, the animal must be placed in a dry place, free 

 from draughts, with plenty of dry bedding. The bowels should be freely 

 opened by a full dose of Epsom salts. Small doses may be given daily, 

 and the animal fattened off as soon as possible. 



