102 SWINE DISEASES 



Calculi 



Renal calculi occur but are not common in swine. 

 They may occur in the collecting tubules but are more 

 likely to be found in the renal pelvis. 



Etiology. The formation of renal calculi is usually 

 associated with an obstructed outflow of urine. Retained 

 urine in the renal pelvis or in the collecting tubules has a 

 tendency to undergo fermentation, with the production 

 of an unbalanced condition of the chemical constituents 

 resulting in precipitation. Retained urine and fermenta- 

 tion also favors catarrhal inflammation. The muco- 

 purulent discharge may serve as a nucleus upon which 

 the precipitate is deposited. 



Lesions. Retention of urine and catarrhal inflam- 

 mation are usually evident. The calcular deposits may 

 be very small and difficult to detect or they may be 

 quite large, one having been observed that practically 

 filled the renal pelvis. The calculi may be variable in 

 shape, color, and consistency, depending upon their 

 composition, and are composed of magnesium or calcium 

 phosphates, urates, or carbonates. 



Symptoms. Cloudy urine, particularly when the 

 last discharge contains quantities of brownish deposit, 

 will be observed if the calculi are passing out. The 

 animals will have colicky pains, the loins will be sensitive, 

 and the animals will stand with arched back. If the 

 calculi are small and remain in the kidney there may be 

 no evident symptoms. 



Treatment. If the patient is in good condition it 

 will be most economical to sell it for slaughter. Very 

 little can be done toward the actual solution of the 

 formed calculi. 



Congestion 



Congestion of the kidneys is common in swine fed on 

 putrid or fermented foods. It may occur as a result of 

 undue exposure, to cold experienced in shipping, or it 

 may be due to injury. The condition is associated with 

 erysipelas, hog cholera, and some forms of pneumonia. 



