DIAGNOSIS, DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSIS, PROGNOSIS 61 



their associates, dropping slowly to sternal recum- 

 bency with their snouts half buried in the litter 

 should be regarded as probable cases of hog chol- 

 era, especially when intermittent attacks of chill- 

 ing are observed. 



Temperature is an important guide, but great 

 care must be taken in securing and interpreting 

 readings. Normal temperatures of hogs vary be- 

 tween 101 and 104 F. and independent of dis- 

 ease, excitement or exertion causes a more rapid 

 temperature elevation in swine than in other ani- 

 mals. Docile adult breeding animals in medium 

 flesh are inclined to show readings near 101 F., 

 while those of young pigs and fat hogs tend to ap- 

 proach 104 F. In taking temperatures of pigs, 

 the thermometer, preferably one with pear or 

 globe-shaped bulb and at least five inches long, 

 should be inserted almost full length. Otherwise 

 many inaccuracies (readings too low) will occur, 

 because a pig, especially if held by the hind legs, 

 will often relax the rectum as long as the ther- 

 mometer remains in position. Chasing pigs to 

 catch them often elevates their temperatures 

 rapidly, and should be avoided. 



It is important to keep in mind the usual hog 

 cholera temperature curve. In the typical case 

 of the acute form of the disease the curve rises 

 rapidly at the onset of the attack and reaches 

 an elevation between 106 and 107 F. in less than 



