210 SWINE DISEASES 



tissue cells, and considerable numbers of Bacillus necro- 

 phorus filaments arranged in bundles. The surrounding 

 tissue evidences a severe reaction by hyperemia, and the 

 presence of large numbers of leukocytes and a few Bacilli 

 necrophorus. 



Necrobacillosis assumes many different forms, the 

 most common of which are necrotic stomatitis, enteritis, 

 rhinitis, pneumonia, hepatitis, splenitis, vaginitis, and 

 dermatitis. 



Necrotic Stomatitis 



Necrotic stomatitis is probably the most common 

 form of necrobacillosis. It is of frequent occurrence ID 

 suckling pigs. 



Lesions and symptoms. The inflammation usually 

 begins at the margins of the gums. The successive 

 changes in the affected areas are as follows. The surface 

 is red or bluish red, becomes tumefied, is very sensitive, 

 and bleeds easily. Two or three days later the area be- 

 comes yellowish white or even brown in color and of a 

 mushy consistency, and usually sloughs, leaving an 

 eroded surface which is covered by a coagulated necrotic 

 tissue and appears as a diphtheritic membrane. The 

 surrounding tissue becomes red, tumefied, and sensitive. 

 The disease process gradually extends and ultimately 

 becomes confluent, forming large eroded areas. A 

 similar process frequently affects the lips simultaneously. 



The affected pigs frequently attempt to nurse, but the 

 gums are so sensitive that they obtain little nourishment. 

 Pigs may transmit the disease to the teats of their mother 

 by nursing. There is salivation and champing of the 

 teeth. Upon inspection the foregoing lesions are 

 observed and a peculiar disagreeable odor is also noted 

 which may permeate the air and be recognized at a 

 considerable distance. As the disease progresses the 

 discharged saliva becomes bloody and contains shreds of 

 tissue. 



The course of this disease varies from a few days in 

 the acute form to several weeks in the chronic form. 



