624 DISEASES OF SWINE 



a result of a kick on the head. Tumors of the brain or the pres- 

 ence of parasites in the cranial cavity may result in symptoms of 

 brain inflammation. The disease may also be seen in animals soon 

 after shipment for considerable distances on railroad trains. 



Inflammation of the brain or its coverings exists in many cases 

 as a complication of acute infectious diseases, such as hog-cholera 

 and pneumonia. Overfeeding, and especially feeding of large 

 amounts of certain kinds of poisonous plants, may lead to the 

 development of inflammation of the brain. 



Symptoms. — The symptoms of brain fever differ somewhat with 

 the nature of the cause. In some cases the disease is preceded by 

 a period of dulness, but in the majority of cases the active symp- 

 toms come on suddenly. There may be some appearance of drow- 

 siness and dulness, but, as a rule, the animal is excitable, irritable, 

 and very sensitive to noises or handhng. 



During the period of excitement the animal may show some very 

 interesting symptoms. It will grind the teeth, froth at the mouth, 

 run around in a circle, butt into trees, posts, or other objects that 

 come in its way, and may even attack other animals or the owner 

 if he comes into the pen. In the very severe cases the delirium 

 often becomes furious. The animal squeals, grunts, and becomes 

 very vicious. It may even attempt to cUmb up the sides of the 

 pen or over fences that come in its way. In other cases the sick 

 animal will press its head against the wall or fence,' and remain 

 in this position until seized by a convulsion, when it will fall over 

 and stiffen out until the seizure passes over, when it may get up 

 and again become violent. 



This period of acute excitement is usually of short duration. 

 It may not last longer than half an hour, and is followed by a 

 period of deep depression. The animal hes down and refuses to 

 move. The eyes are closed, and the hog gradually passes into a 

 state of stupor. During this stage of the disease stomach symp- 

 toms and vomiting sometimes develop. 



While in simple congestion of the brain the symptoms usually 

 pass away in the course of a few hours, true inflammation of the 

 brain is a more serious matter and the animal rarely recovers. 

 The stupor deepens, convulsions are repeated, and the animal 

 finally dies. 



