416 The Care of Animals 



heaping teaspooiiful of saltpeter twice daily. Iodide of 

 potash, in doses varying from three grains for a dog to 

 a dram for a horse, may be given once daily, dissolved in 

 water. The food of animals suffering from rheumatism 

 should be carefully looked after, and a variety of laxa- 

 tive, easily digested, nutritious material furnished. For 

 puppies, plenty of milk should be allowed. 



" THUMPS " IN PIGS 



"Thumps" is a name that is commonly applied to a 

 peculiar spasmodic contraction of the diaphragm or 

 midriff in young pigs. This condition is usually as- 

 sociated with some disturbance of the digestive system, 

 and is likely to occur when the pigs are fed on one kind 

 of food. Constipation and lack of exercise are often 

 associated with this disease. Feeding the pigs too much 

 at a time is often thought to be a cause. The real 

 cause of the trouble is not definitely known. 



The pigs are noticed to be affected with a sort of 

 hiccoughs that is persistent, and if not relieved is 

 likely to cause death. There is a jerking movement 

 of the muscles of the body that causes a peculiar thump, 

 from which the disease takes its name. 



Empty the stomach and bowels by giving a purga- 

 tive; this to be followed by a spare diet of laxative, 

 nutritious food, given frequently in small amounts. 

 Give from two teaspoonfuls to two tablespoonfuls of 

 Epsom or Glauber salts, or one to four tablespoonfuls of 

 castor -oil, depending on the size and age of the pig. 

 From one to four drops of laudanum, with one or two 



