188 SOUTHERN PORK PRODUCTION 



tion of the phrenic nerves. Indigestion, especially over- 

 loading of the stomach, intestinal parasites and lack of 

 adequate exercise are some of the more common causes 

 of the condition. The symptoms are marked. When 

 standing the body will move forward with the shock of 

 the contraction. When lying down the force of the 

 spasm can plainly be seen on the side of the animal. The 

 spasms occur with considerable regularity, but the con- 

 tractions occur more often when the stomach is full. 

 The treatment consists, first, in the removal of the cause. 

 A vermifuge of turpentine, a half teaspoonful per 80- 

 pound pig, followed by a dose of calomel, should be given. 

 Exercise on pasture is beneficial, and the bowels should 

 be regulated with laxatives and tonics. Tincture of 

 opium is generally recommended to stop the contractions 

 of the diaphragm. 



Excretory system. The diseases of the kidneys and 

 bladder are confined for the most part to inflammations. 

 Congestions of the kidneys from an injury or from a 

 poison are not uncommon in swine. Exposure is a cause 

 of kidney and bladder trouble and the excretory organs 

 are quite commonly affected by such diseases as swine 

 plague and hog cholera. Germs may infect both the 

 kidneys and bladder and give rise to irritations and 

 inflammations. When the urine is retained for any length 

 of time the fermentations release free ammonia, which 

 irritates the mucous membranes with which it comes in 

 contact. The symptoms of diseases of the excretory 

 system are generally obscure. The appetite may be ir- 

 regular, indications of pain may be manifested, the urine 

 may be passed frequently in varying quantities, and it 

 may be of high color. In some cases there is a retention 



