DISEASES OF SWINE 427 



once daily with an antiseptic wash. In some cases it is necessary to 

 castrate the animal. This operation must not be postponed too 

 long. (Ind. B. 100.) 



WATER IN THE SCROTUM. 



Causes. This condition is due to injuries to the testicles and 

 scrotum, the collection of fluid forming as a result of the inflamma- 

 tion of the covering of the testicles. 



Symptoms. Owing to the large quantity of fluid (serum or 

 blood) that may collect between the layers of the tunic, this condi- 

 tion may resemble a scrota! hernia. The swelling is soft, elastic, 

 painless, and confined mostly to the lower part of the scrotum. The 

 fluctuation can be felt on manipulating the swelling. 



Treatment. This is usually unnecessary, as it does not inter- 

 fere with the health of the animal or endanger its life. The fluid 

 can be drawn off with an aspirating syringe and tincture of iodine 

 afterwards injected into the part. This operation must be per- 

 formed under aseptic conditions, and should not be attempted by 

 the stockman. The fluid can be removed by castration. (Ind. 

 B. 100.) 



INFLAMMATION OF THE PREPUCE. 



Causes. This disease is seen in barrows, and is caused by the 

 secretions from the lining membrane of the prepuce and dirt ac- 

 cumulating in the prepuce or its folds. If infected by germs, pus 

 will form and the parts become badly inflamed. 



Symptoms. The prepuce becomes swollen, painful, and hot, 

 and there is some difficulty in urinating. Pressure upon the part 

 causes the animal severe pain and a disagreeable smelling material 

 may escape. The contents are usually of a cheesy character. 



Treatment. Before treating the animal, place it on its back, 

 and hold it as quiet as possible. The outside of the prepuce should 

 be fomented with warm water, and the inside of the pouch washed 

 with a two per cent water solution of creolin. If this is not effective, 

 an incision should be made in both sides of the pouch. All the 

 material must be removed and the part thoroughly washed. (Ind. 

 B. 100.) 



COLD IN THE HEAD. 



Causes. Exposure to cold, especially if in an overheated con- 

 dition or when the body is wet by rain, is the most common cause 

 of catarrh. Hogs overcrowded in pens or allowed to sleep around 

 straw stacks or manure heaps are apt to suffer as a result of over- 

 heating and becoming chilled, or by irritation from the dust and 

 noxious gases generated under such conditions. This is especially 

 true during the cold, wet weather when they pile up to keep warm. 



Symptoms. The hog may act dull, the body temperature may 

 be elevated, and the eyes appear red and watery. The nasal mu- 

 cous membrane becomes red and dry and the hog sneezes frequent- 

 ly. This dry stage lasts for a short time and is followecTby a watery 

 discharge from both nostrils, and in the more severe cases this is 

 succeeded by a thick whitish or yellowish discharge. If this con- 

 tinues for some time the mucous membrane becomes markedly 



