10 May, 1919.] Common Ailments of the Pig. 283 



weak and impoverished. The back is arched, and the belly is either 

 tucked up at the flanks or is unduly enlarged, the latter generally when 

 the pig has a ravenous appetite. Pigs largely infested are fretful and 

 unsettled; they wander about grunting and squealing, and seldom rest 

 as do healthy stock. Vomiting, during which some worms are ejected, 

 is sometimes present, and fits of a convulsive or epileptic nature are, in 

 some cases, frequent. Irregularity of the bowels, with occasional 

 diarrhoea, appear in the later stages of the disorder, and the appetite falls 

 away, thus adding to the emaciation and weakness. 



The best way to treat this trouble is to give in the food areca nut, 

 •J to 1 grain per lb. live weight of the pig, or 2 to 10 grains of santonin 

 per pig, according to size. A good way to administer the medicine when 

 there are a considerable number of pigs affected is to get it put up in 

 packets containing enough for ten pigs. This quantity may be mixed 

 thoroughly with the food, which should then be fed immediately to the 

 animals. It is then fairly evenly distributed amongst the pigs', and 

 each gets about equal quantities. Calomel at the rate of 5 grains per 

 100 lbs. live weight may also be given should the former drugs not be 

 obtainable. For some kinds of worms turpentine will be found more 

 satisfactory, a teaspoonful to a tablespoonful, according to size of pig, 

 being given in milk slop. This should be given on an empty stomach, and 

 with it castor oil, two to twelve tablespoonfuls, according to size. Such a 

 dose will help to clear the worms out of the stomach. 



Inflammation of Udder. 



This is not an uncommon trouble, especially with heavy sows which, 

 are good milkers. The udders are liable to injury by bruising, &c., 

 and become infected by bacteria resulting from their dirty conditions. 



Sows that lose part or all of their litter, and which have a large 

 supply of milk, are especially likely to develop a diffuse inflamjnation 

 of the udder. 



Inflammation of the udder may be of a simple nature, wuth hot, 

 painful swellings, but without the formation of any pus or abscesses. 

 On the other hand, it may be a deep-seated abscess. 



Symptoms. — The inflamed udder becomes swollen, hot, painful, and 

 very tender to the touch. The soreness may become so aggravated that 

 the sow will not allow the little pigs to suck. • There is also usually 

 considerable rise in temperature, loss of appetite, and constipation. The- 

 milk often becomes affected, and may cause scouring among the little 

 ones. 



Treatment. — Preventive treatment consist in keeping sows in clean 

 conditions. Sore teats should be bathed with alcohol, or a strong solu- 

 tion of alum, or the white lotion, consisting of 3 drams each of sulphate 

 of zinc and lead acetat-e, and 16 oz. water. 



When there are signs of inflammation, the sow should be given a full 

 dose of Epsom salts, and the udder bathed frequently with hot water, 

 followed by gentle massage with camphorated oil. If much fever be 

 present, two or three drops of aconite in water may be given twice or 

 three times a day. If the udder becomes very painful, a local application 

 of 'belladonna may be used in the form of an ointment, consisting of 

 extract of belladonna, ^ dram, to 2 oz. vaseline. An equal amount of 

 gum camphor may be added, and will increase the value of the ointment. 



