644 DISEASES OF SWINE 



As the disease progresses there is loss of weight, and the bones 

 of the skull frequently begin to enlarge, giving the pig a very pecu- 

 liar appearance, with a large head and small, thin body. Where the 

 disease progresses for any length of time the pig always loses weight 

 and becomes a chronic, worthless runt. 



Changes in the teeth are often noticeable. There may be 

 irregular shape of the teeth. The second teeth are often slow in 

 coming in, are often short and irregular, and soon loosen up and fall 

 out. The gums and lining membrane of the mouth may be in- 

 flamed and the animal is scarcely able to eat any food except slop. 



In most cases of rickets there is a certain amount of disturbance 

 of the respiratory apparatus. The animal often has a chronic dis- 

 charge from the nose and sniffs and wheezes while attempting to 

 breathe. After lying down for a short time the nose and throat 

 become clogged up, and when the animal gets up it has to cough 

 and sniff in order to clear the passages. 



Treatment. — This disease is one which can be entirely pre- 

 vented by proper attention to diet. When pigs are weaned especial 

 care must be taken to see that they receive a ration which is properly 

 balanced. Dry corn alone is not a proper diet for young growing 

 pigs. They must have other food along with the corn if they are 

 to grow and develop properly. A small amount of salt and char- 

 coal are valuable articles of diet to promote proper development 

 and growth of young pigs. 



Next to proper diet the most important point in the prevention 

 of rickets is properly cared for feed lots and ranges. Growing pigs 

 should have a clean, dry feed lot, with plenty of room to exercise, 

 plenty of sunshine, and a clean, dry, warm place to sleep. When 

 kept under these condition and fed a properly balanced ration there 

 will be no trouble in keeping them free from rickets. 



When the disease is noted in the herd the attention should at 

 once be directed to the diet. If an improper ration has been fed, 

 make such changes as are necessary to make it a proper nourishing 

 diet. Get the animals into proper feed lots, and give them a good 

 range, with plenty of nutritious food and room to exercise. If there 

 is any digestive trouble, clean out the bowels with a dose of calomel 

 and castor oil, and follow this with the administration of a tonic 

 condition powder, containing powdered nux vomica, powdered 



