44 SWINE DISEASES 



gastro-enteritis. This is not extraordinary, for there is 

 a variety of molds that cause this condition. One 

 usually finds extensive inflammation of the gastro- 

 intestinal mucosa, and in cases that have lingered for 

 some time, ulcerations are very common. There is 

 frequently meningeal engorgement, and in rare cases 

 there may be cerebral softening. 



Symptoms. There is inappetence, increased thirst, 

 rise of temperature, constipation succeeded by diarrhea, 

 weakness, and rapid emaciation. 



Treatment. Little can be done to relieve this con- 

 dition. Symptomatic treatment is of some value, and 

 should be applied. 



Cotton-Seed Meal 



Fatal results frequently, but not always, attend the 

 feeding for long periods of cotton-seed meal to swine. 

 From experiments thus far conducted it is apparent that 

 cotton-seed as a feed is more applicable to ruminants 

 than to swine. The feeding for short periods has in 

 many instances been beneficial. 



Lesions. On autopsy, excessive quantities of a 

 serous fluid are found in the pleural and peritoneal 

 cavities. The lung is congested, inflamed, and frequently 

 edematous. Congestion in all internal organs may be 

 observed. 



Symptoms. The feces are firm, although diarrhea 

 may be present. Unthriftiness, irregular appetite or 

 inappetence, weakness, unsteady gait, blindness, and 

 dyspnea are common symptoms. The animals finally 

 assume the decubital position, and may struggle or may 

 become comatose. Death occurs in from a few hours 

 to several days, sometimes occurring almost instan- 

 taneously with premonitory symptoms. 



Treatment. Green feed and exercise have a tendency 

 to counteract the injurious effects of cotton-seed meal. 

 Free access to wood ashes is a valuable but not an absolute 

 preventive of cotton-seed poisoning. Iron compounds 

 have also been used and proved beneficial, while the wood 



