DISEASES 383 



DISEASES OF PIGS 



Diseases are not so numerous as in the case of most 

 animals, but pigs are much more difficult to treat when ill 

 than other farm stock. If fat, a pig should generally be 

 killed on the first symptoms of ailment appearing, if the 

 flesh be fit for food, as, at the best, no improvement in con- 

 dition need be expected for a time. 



It is a difficult matter to administer a drench to a pig. 

 A ready and simple appliance to use is an old shoe with the 

 toe cut off, pressed well into the mouth to keep the jaws 

 open. The drench is poured into the shoe, and passes into 

 the throat of the animal from the opening made at the toe. 



Fat pigs suffering from the effects of heat on the way to 

 market are much relieved by bleeding close under the root of 

 the tail by means of a penknife. 



By improper housing, or exposure to cold and wet, pigs 

 readily contract rheumatism and catarrh. 



Diarrhoea often accompanies bad feeding. The treatment 

 is, change to good food ; give a purgative (epsom salts, 3 oz.) 

 and 5 or 6 drops of oil of peppermint. 



Anthrax in pigs is the same specific deadly disease pro- 

 duced by a microscopic rod-like organism multiplying in the 

 blood, which insidiously attacks other farm animals, from 

 eating the raw remains of which pigs usually contract the 

 disorder. It is very sudden and fatal in its action, running 

 its course in from a few hours to two or three days. " A rise 

 of 3 or 4 degrees of temperature is the first symptom, followed 

 by sudden and extreme prostration. The ears, head, and 

 tail droop, and the animal wears a dull, dejected appearance. 

 If made to walk, its gait is rolling and it soon becomes 

 paralysed in the hind limbs, though it retains the power for 

 a time of raising itself on the fore limbs. Swelling of the 

 throat and neck follows and rapidly extends over the head 

 and face, giving to the latter a bloated, hideous aspect." 

 Breathing becomes difficult, and " the animal sits on its 

 haunches with open mouth and protruding tongue, wheezing 

 and gasping for breath, or lies prostrate." Remedial treat- 

 ment is of no avail, but the precautions described at page 

 248 should be strictly adhered to, to prevent the return of 

 the disease. 



