SORE THROAT 587 



a rule, is quite painful. Later in the course of the disease the cough 

 becomes more long-drawn-out in character, leas sharp and irritating, 

 and there is a discharge from the nose and mouth of a sticky spu- 

 tum. 



The animal is usually somewhat feverish; the eyes are red and 

 watery in appearance, and the animal stands with the back some- 

 what arched, the tail drooping, and the flanks tucked up. Appetite 

 is partially .or completely lost, and the animal is constipated as a 

 rule. The sick hog may attempt to eat, but is forced to quit on 

 account of the pain which is caused by every effort at swallowing. 



There is usually some difficulty in breathing, and the rate of 

 breathing is usually increased. There may be some local swelling 

 around the throat, and on examination of the neck it is found to 

 be quite painful, and any pressure over the larynx brings on a fit of 

 coughing. In the more severe septic cases false membranes form 

 in the larynx and wind-pipe and the animal may die from suffo- 

 cation. In laryngitis accompanying hog-cholera it is not infrequent 

 for typical ulcers to form in the larynx as well as in the digestive 

 tract. 



In many cases, especially where animals are kept all winter in 

 overcrowded and poorly ventilated sleeping quarters, the disease 

 becomes chronic. In these cases there is a constant hacking cough, 

 especially noticeable when the animals come out of their nests in the 

 mornings; the appearance is very unthrifty, and the hog does not 

 gain in weight. This lowering of the vitality of the animal may 

 later on be followed by the development of hog-cholera. 



Changes in Tissues. — In an acute case of laryngitis or pharyngo- 

 laryngitis the lining membrane of the larynx and pharynx becomes 

 reddened and congested. There is considerable swelling, and later 

 in the course of the disease the membrane is covered over by a 

 thick laj^er of mucus. In the severe septic types false membranes 

 are formed or deep ulcers may be seen. 



Treatment. — In the prevention of this condition the main point 

 consists in providing the herd with suitable sleeping quarters, 

 so arranged as to prevent overcrowding and overheating of the 

 animals. Where this is done there will be but httle sore throat, 

 cold in the head, or other disease of the respiratory tract. 



Active treatment in an acute case of laryngitis is quite similar 



