514 DISEASES OF SWINE 



flamed patches, especially on the gums and lips. At this early- 

 stage of the disease the spots are of a deep-red color, quite dark, 

 and the gums are seen to be considerably swollen. In the severe 

 cases the snout and lips become so badly swollen as to close up 

 the nostrils and seriously interfere with breathing. 



At a httle later stage these spots become the seat of deep 

 necrotic ulcers. The margins of the ulcer are seen to be very much 

 inflamed and thickened, while the necrotic slough in the center 

 is white or yellowish white in appearance. After these sloughs 

 separate they leave a deep cavity or depression which shows an 

 ulcerated base and is very obstinate in healing. The gums may 

 slough away so extensively as to involve several of the teeth, and 

 the ulcers in the snout and hps may be so deep as to extend en- 

 tirely through to the outer surface. 



Pain becomes a very marked symptom, and the least move- 

 ment of the jaws is accompanied by intense suffering. The pig 

 is unable to eat on account of this severe pain, and rapidly loses 

 weight and strength. The decomposed sloughs give off a most 

 disagreeable odor from the mouth, and the animal is both a dis- 

 gusting and a pitiable object. The little sufferer usually becomes 

 separated from the balance of the litter, and remains in the nest 

 or off in some corner by himself. All ambition and vitahty is 

 gone. The poisonous materials from the necrotic areas in the 

 mouth are absorbed into the system and produce a profound 

 intoxication. 



Course. — The course of this disease is fairly rapid, and it usually 

 terminates in from three to ten days. Necrotic sore mouth is a 

 very serious condition, and nearly half the pigs affected die. 

 If the vitality of the litter is already poor, owing to improper 

 feeding of the mothers and poor sleeping quarters, the disease 

 may wipe out the entire litter, as these weakened pigs are in no 

 condition to stand a severe toxic infection. 



Treatment. — In the prevention of this form of stomatitis there 

 are two very important general lines to be followed, one with the 

 object of preventing the appearance of the disease in the herd, the 

 other with the purpose of preventing its spread should it get a 

 start. As a precaution against occurrence of infectious sore mouth 

 the feed lots should be kept in a clean condition, and especially 



