692 DISEASES OF SWINE 



for infection. Sore teats should not be neglected, as this is the 

 usual start of an infection of the deeper tissues of the gland. 

 These should be bathed with alcohol or a strong solution of alum, 

 or the familiar white lotion which is extensively used for inflam- 

 mation of all kinds. This preparation consists of 3 drams each of 

 zinc sulphate and lead acetate in 16 ounces of water. 



Where there are signs of inflammation present the sow should 

 first receive a full dose of Epsom salt. Following this give a tea- 

 spoonful of the following mixture every hour or two with a little 



slop: 



Specific medicine aconite § dram. 



Specific medicine Phytolacca 2 drams. 



Water to make 4 ounces. 



Phytolacca and aconite are two of the most effective agents we 

 possess for treatment of inflammation of the mammary gland. 

 If given as soon as the earliest symptoms are noted, there will 

 be no severe infection and no abscess formation. If desired, J 

 dram of tincture of belladonna may be added to the above pre- 

 scription. 



As a local application on the inflamed and swollen udders there 

 is no agent as effective as belladonna. This can be used in the 

 form of an ointment containing | dram of extract of belladonna to 

 2 ounces of vaselin. An equal amount of gum camphor may be 

 added to this ointment and will increase its value. It must be 

 remembered that belladonna checks the secretion of milk, and if 

 applied for several days may entirely check the flow. 



It is a good plan in sows that have lost their litters to try and 

 get them to adopt some of the pigs from an overlarge litter that 

 some other sow may have. If this is not considered advisable, the 

 udders should be milked out once or twice a day for a few days, and 

 following each milking a thorough application made of the bella- 

 donna and camphor ointment. 



When an abscess of the udder forms, the proper method of treat- 

 ment is to incise the gland with a clean, sharp knife which has been 

 sterilized by boihng. After the pus pocket has been opened up 

 and the pus freely drained out, paint the inside of the abscess with 

 full strength tincture of iodin. 



