62 HOG CHOLERA 



forty-eight hours. This level is maintained for 

 about four days and is followed by a sharp decline 

 which may bring it near normal for a few hours. 

 Then there is an upward trend which carries it 

 near the former high level in which position it 

 may be maintained, or it may fluctuate somewhat 

 violently from day to day. Sometimes it remains 

 elevated until death takes place, but usually it 

 sinks below normal a short time before the pig 

 dies. 



Thus it is always well to secure temperatures 

 of hogs recently affected, and to be cautious in 

 regard to making a negative diagnosis on the 

 strength of a limited number of temperatures near 

 normal. Several readings near or above 106 F., 

 supported by other suspicious symptoms and a 

 history that indicates hog cholera, may rightly 

 form the basis for a provisional diagnosis. On 

 the other hand, a considerable number of tempera- 

 tures below 104 F. in sick hogs, strongly suggests 

 some other disease. Between these extremes the 

 readings are less conclusive. 



In this country, and in others where swine ery- 

 sipelas is not prevalent, the characteristic diffuse 

 purplish discoloration which appears on the belly, 

 ears and snout is pathognomonic of hog cholera, 

 but it is observed in relatively few cases. If this 

 discoloration is not observed before death it is 

 of no significance, for it may occur as a post-mor- 



