470 Pork Production 



DISEASES OF THE NERVOUS SYSTEM 



Partial or complete paralysis of the posterior portion of 

 the body. 



This is a common disease of young hogs. It may be 

 due to the following causes : injuries such as strains and 

 blows to the region of the back; pressure on the spinal 

 cord resulting from enlargements of the disks between 

 the vertebrae ; constipation ; extreme heat from the sun's 

 rays; and close hot quarters. Young fat animals may 

 suffer from malnutrition of the bones because of a faulty 

 ration and complete fractures of bones occur. A condi- 

 tion resembling paralysis of the hind parts results when 

 the thigh bones are fractured. Rheumatic inflammation 

 of the back muscles is followed by partial loss of control 

 over the movement of the hind parts. As the shoulder 

 muscles are usually affected as well, the hog may walk 

 on its knees. This symptom enables the attendant to 

 differentiate between the two diseases. 



The prognosis is unfavorable. Unless the hog shows 

 evidence of recovery in the first two or three weeks, it 

 is not advisable to continue treatment. 



The following preventive measures should be practiced. 

 A predisposition toward rickets and fractures of the bones 

 may be avoided by feeding a well-balanced ration and 

 allowing young hogs exercise in a pasture or lot. Hogs 

 should not be allowed to sleep or feed in quarters where 

 they pile up and crowd one another. 



The treatment consists in giving the hog a comfortable 

 well-bedded pen. It should not be forced to move about. 

 A light diet and clean drinking water should be fed. Any 

 tendency toward becoming constipated may be overcome 



