566 DISEASES OF SWINE 



these in proper quantities and at regular intervals. If the diarrhea 

 be simply the symptom of some other condition, as irritation of the 

 bowels from some poison or the presence of worms, the underlying 

 condition should be first treated and the dysentery will quickly clear 

 up of itself. 



In the active treatment of the diarrhea the first indication here, 

 as in other disturbances of the stomach and bowels, is to remove 

 irritating material from the bowels. This is best done by giving 

 a free dose of calomel, followed by castor oil. In large animals 

 calomel may be given in doses of 5 to 20 gr. ; oil, in doses of 3 to 4 

 ounces. 



After the bowels have been thoroughly cleaned out with the 

 calomel and oil, begin the administration of intestinal antiseptics 

 and astringents. Bismuth, salol, sulphocarbolates, and bicar- 

 bonates of soda are the most efficient remedies. A valuable com- 

 bination is the following: 



Bismuth subnitrate 1 ounce. 



Sodium sulphocarbolate 1 " 



Sodium bicarbonate 2 ounces. 



Mix and form a powder. 



Give from J to 1 teaspoonful of this powder, according to size 

 of animal, three or four times a day. In a few cases it may be 

 necessary to resort to the use of laudanum, but it is always a good 

 plan to try other methods of treatment first and keep away from 

 the opium if possible. 



SPASM OF DIAPHRAGM (THUMPS) 



Thumps, while really a disorder of the nervous system, is so 

 commonly associated with irritation of the stomach and bowels 

 that I consider it better to discuss this condition under the head 

 of diseases of the digestive tract. 



Thumps is a condition very commonly seen in young pigs, and 

 consists in a spasmodic or jerking contraction of the diaphragm. 

 The diaphragm is the fan-shaped muscle which separates the organs 

 of the abdominal cavity from those of the chest. The diaphragm is 

 sometimes known as the midriff. In cattle it is known to the 

 butchers as the skirt. This muscle is supplied by a very important 



