The Prevention of Hog Diseases 467 



that are not accustomed to them should be fed sparingly 

 at first and not allowed to eat all they want. With- 

 holding all feed at first and later feeding a light ration 

 is the most effective curative treatment. From 1 to 4 

 ounces of linseed-oil, depending on the size of the hog, 

 should be administered early in the disease. 



Diarrhoea or scours in pigs. 



It is not uncommon for young pigs to have congestion 

 and inflammation of the stomach and intestine. This 

 disease is characterized by a diarrhoea. 



The causes of diarrhoea may be grouped under the 

 following heads : diseased condition of the mother ; wrong 

 methods of caring for the mother and her litter; and 

 specific infection. 



At the time of farrowing, the sow is sometimes very 

 sick, and the act of farrowing may be prolonged. Unless 

 the necessary precautions are observed by the attendant, 

 the pigs may develop a severe diarrhoea because of the 

 abnormal composition of the mother's milk. The sow 

 should not be given feed until she is in condition to digest 

 it. It is advisable to physic her in order to rid the in- 

 testine of the toxic substances that may be absorbed and 

 later eliminated in the milk. 



Changes in the ration, excitement, and disease alter 

 the composition of the mother's milk, and such milk may 

 prove irritating to the digestive organs of the pig. Dark 

 filthy quarters, and cold damp beds lower the pig's 

 vitality. Such conditions may act as predisposing factors 

 or as direct causes of the disease. In years when the 

 spring season is cold and wet, the latter causes are re- 

 sponsible for the heavy death rate occurring in pigs that 

 are not well housed and cared for. 



