DYSENTERY 565 



absolutely necessary to use some agent which will check the severe 

 discharge. 



After the diarrhea has been checked, the animal will often be 

 improved by giving small doses of some tonic medicine, such as 

 tincture of nux vomica, in 1-drop doses, for several days. 



DYSENTERY (DIARRHEA) 



Diarrhea has already been mentioned as a symptom of a 

 number of diseases. It may be said hardly to exist as a separate 

 disease. More often it is merely a symptom of an inflammation of 

 the stomach and bowels. However, we do have some cases in 

 which there are frequent evacuations of the bowels, and yet in 

 which there are hardly present those conditions which would entitle 

 the condition to be classed as a gastro-enteritis. 



Causes. — The causes for this condition, as well as for most of 

 the disturbances of the stomach and bowels, are improper feeding, 

 and especially the feeding of improper articles of diet. Sudden 

 changes in the food, feeding of green corn or rye, irritating, decom- 

 posed or molded foods, kitchen garbage, and lack of variety in 

 the food are the conditions which bring on dysentery in the hog. 

 Overcrowding with food, resulting in eating more than the 

 stomach and intestines can handle, is another common cause for 

 dysentery. Irritation from intestinal worms frequently causes a 

 chronic diarrhea. 



Symptoms. — The symptoms are simply a chronic looseness of 

 the bowels. The animal passes large numbers of stools each day, 

 or may have alternate days of constipation and diarrhea. There 

 is an absence of the severe symptoms which make up the picture 

 in acute gastro-enteritis. Fever is usually absent and there is no 

 vomiting and no complete loss of appetite. Abdominal pain is 

 very slight or entirely absent. 



The sick animal may have a fairly good appetite at times, and, 

 again, may show almost a complete absence of desire for food. 

 The food taken does but little good, and the hog does not gain in 

 weight. On the other hand, he may show an actual gradual loss of 

 weight. 



Treatment. — Prevention consists in careful regulation of the 

 diet of the animal. Give only clean, wholesome foods, and give 



