DISEASES OF SWINE 425 



function of the kidneys is disturbed. Constipation usually occurs 

 and the feces have a more disagreeable odor than normal. When 

 occurring as a complication of other diseases, the liver symptoms 

 are usually overshadowed by the original disease. 



Treatment. The treatment is about the same as in indiges- 

 tion. As a cathartic, calomel can be administered in from one to 

 ten grain doses and repeated every other day for a few days. 

 (Ind. B. 100.) 



CONGESTION OF THE KIDNEYS. 



Causes. Congestion of the kidneys as a result of injury is not 

 uncommon in hogs. Blows and kicks in the region of the back, or 

 injuries occurring as a result of their piling up on each other, are 

 among the common causes. Exposure, and wet, cold quarters, as in 

 other domestic animals, may also cause it. It may occur as a com- 

 plication of some infectious disease. 



Symptoms. The pig shows a disposition to lie down most of 

 the time. The hind parts are moved stiffly and the gait is stiff and 

 straddling. Urine is passed frequently and in small quantities. It 

 is higher colored than normal and may be tinged with blood. If 

 due to an injury, these symptoms appear soon after it has occurred. 



Treatment. Preventive measures consist in avoiding as much 

 as possible conditions that may cause the disease. The hog should 

 be given dry, comfortable quarters and fed on slops. A cathartic 

 should be given at the start one to four ounces of castor oil. Hot 

 water fomentations may be applied to the back and loins. (Ind. B. 

 100.) 



INFLAMMATION OF THE KIDNEYS. 



Causes. These are very much the same as in congestion of the 

 kidneys. Irritating foods, such drugs as turpentine given internally 

 and applied locally, and pathogenic germs conveyed to the kidneys 

 by the circulation, or entering the kidneys by way of their excretory 

 apparatus are frequent causes. 



Symptoms. The back of the hog may be quite sensitive to 

 pressure. When it stands, the back is arched and held stiffly. The 

 temperature may be elevated, the respiration and pulse beats quick- 

 ened, and the urine is scant and highly colored. Convulsions may 

 occur. Chronic inflammation of the kidneys may develop very 

 slowly without giving rise to any noticeable symptoms until the dis- 

 ease reaches the later stages. Large abscesses are occasionally found 

 in the kidneys of hogs apparently in perfect health when killed. 



Treatment. The preventive and medicinal treatment is much 

 the same as in congestion of the kidneys. To insure free action of 

 the bowels small doses of castor oil (from two to four tablespoon- 

 fuls) should be administered frequently. Diuretics should also be 

 given. (Ind. B. 100.) 



DISEASES OF THE BLADDER. 



Retention of the urine and inflammation of the bladder 

 (cystitis) is sometimes met with in the hog. The retention of the 

 urine may be due to spasms of the neck of the bladder, a cystic or 



