SYMPTOMS IN ACUTE TYPE 177 



and young shoats than in old hogs, but it may even be seen in 

 these old animals in some of the severe cases. 



Those cases in which thumping develops are of a most severe 

 form, and the outcome is usually fatal. This is especially so in 

 young pigs affected with cholera. When thumps starts in these 

 little fellows they are almost certain to die. 



Changes in Urine. — The action of the kidneys is not inter- 

 fered with in cholera nearly to the extent that we might expect, 

 when we see the amount of actual change that takes place in the 

 structure of the kidney as a result of the disease. The amount of 

 water passed is, however, less than usual ; it is more highly colored 

 than normal, and may even show the presence in it of a considerable 

 amount of blood. The specific gravity or weight of the urine is 

 much increased, and when the water is sent to a laboratory and 

 examined under the microscope it is found to contain a considerable 

 amount of blood, lining cells from the inside of the kidney, and 

 casts made up of clotted blood. 



In well-developed cases of acute cholera when an attempt is 

 made to examine the animal there will be found marked tenderness 

 and hypersensitiveness of the skin. This is especially well marked 

 along the belly. Back in the fold of the flanks there can often be 

 found a quite large, soft swelling, which is very tender when touched 

 with the fingers. This is the swollen lymph-glands, which are 

 normally located in this position, and which are known as the 

 inguinal lymph-glands. In a healthy animal these glands are 

 small kernel-like bodies, which can scarcely be felt through the 

 skin and muscles. In hog-cholera they swell up until easily felt, 

 and become very sensitive and painful. 



Summary. — In making a diagnosis of acute cholera we should 

 base our opinion upon the following important symptoms: 



(1) Rather slow onset, with loss of appetite and tendency to 

 remain buried in the litter of the sleeping pens as one of the very 

 first noticeable symptoms. 



(2) The sick animal loses its natural activeness and playfulness. 

 Prefers to remain undisturbed and will hide off by itself in some 

 corner or under the fitter. 



(3) Normal curl or kink in the tail disappears and that organ 

 hangs lifeless and straight. 



