DISEASES OF THE HOG. 171 



toms of its full development. That the rheumatic 

 differs essentially from ordinary inflammation is 

 shown chiefly by its shifting character, its disposi- 

 tion to alternate with mere irritation or functional 

 disorder, and the almost entire absence of any 

 tendenc}^ to suppuration, even in the most violent 

 cases." 



'Causes: It is impossible to say what causes 

 rheumatism in the pig, as it is found under all con- 

 ditions, when the pigs are well kept and when they 

 are not. Cold seems to be an exciting cause of 

 acute rheumatism, moisture increases its effect, 

 thus it is often found in pigs which have to sleep 

 in wet, cold beds, but in the majority of cases some- 

 thing more than cold and moisture is needed. Sub- 

 acute rheumatism is the form usually found in the 

 pig, although I have seen a few cases of acute rheu- 

 matism. 



Symptoms: There is lameness of one or more 

 legs which is more or less noticeable according to 

 the severity of the case. The joints often swell at 

 the fetlock. If the swelling is inflammatory there 

 will be decided fever and thus constitute acute 

 rheumatism, causing a rise in temperature, a full, 

 fast pulse, loss of appetite, and an indication that 

 the animal is suffering pain. I have seen some 

 cases of this kind where if the pig was made to 

 move it would squeal with pain. From the effects 

 of the inflammation there may be an increased se- 

 cretion of the synovial fluid and fluctuation may 

 be noticed in the joints. In some cases the carti- 

 lage and tissue of the joints become enlarged and 



