DlgEASES OF THE HOG. 65 



Peritonitis sometimes comes on in the course of 

 other diseases, particularly hog cholera, which it 

 brings to a rapid, fatal issue. 



Symptoms: The disease is ushered in with a 

 chill, there is great pain, the animal moves about 

 in a very stiff manner and suffers intense pain, the 

 abdomen is very tender to the touch and although 

 it might be slight it will make the animal squeal. 

 The muscles of the abdomen are contracted which 

 gives the animal a tucked up appearance, there is 

 usually some tympanitis which makes the muscles 

 swell upwards and arches the back, the bowels are 

 usually constipated and the urine is scanty and 

 high colored, vomiting is very often present and it 

 causes the animal great pain and increases the in- 

 flammation and should be prevented, the pulse is 

 very frequent, small and wiry, from 110 to 110 or 

 more per minute, the breathing is short and fast 

 and there is a marked expression of distress char- 

 acterized by the contraction of the muscles of the 

 face. The cause of peritonitis is generally rapid, 

 and in fatal cases the animal usually dies within 

 twenty-four hours, but in some few cases it may 

 run for one or even two wrecks. When the fatal 

 termination approaches, the pain suddenlr sub- 

 sides or ceases altogether and the animal may lie 

 perfectly quiet ; at this stage the pulse is very small 

 or may be imperceptible, the legs are cold and the 

 skin of the body is usually of a purple color, green 

 or black matter will often be vomited, coma or 

 convulsions take place and the animal soon dies. 



