COMMON DISEASES OF SWINE 307 



den contractions of the diaphragm at irregular intervals. The 

 contractions or spasms of the diaphragm cause a jerking move- 

 ment of the flank, which is a characteristic symptom of the 

 disease. The pig becomes unthrifty and stunted, and very 

 young pigs are likely to succumb or to become practically 

 worthless. 



Too liberal a supply of feed and too little exercise will 

 often bring on the trouble. Young pigs often contract the 

 disease before they are weaned if they have a good mother and 

 are not given much exercise, and it is usually the finest and 

 fattest pig in the litter which is the first to go wrong. 



Treatment is mainly preventive, and hence the necessity 

 for providing exercise for young pigs, especially if their mother 

 is a liberal milker and the pigs become very fat. Judicious 

 feeding and exercise will entirely prevent the disease. If a 

 case occurs, it is a signal that a change in methods 'should be 

 made at once. Sometimes it is difficult to obtain exercise for 

 young pigs in cold weather, and some recommend shutting them 

 in a pen away from the mother for an hour or so twice a day. 

 As a rule, this plan will stimulate the laziest of them to take 

 considerable exercise. 



INFLAMMATION OF THE UDDER. 



Heavy milkers are most liable to have this trouble. Whatever 

 the cause, the disease calls for prompt treatment. Dr. R. A. 

 Craig, in his excellent book, " Disease's of Swine," recommends 

 the following treatment: 



" Milking the sow's udder two or three times a day will 

 usually relieve its congested condition. A physic of Epsom 

 salts 'should be given every other day, and a sloppy diet fed. 



In case the udder becomes inflamed, it should be kneaded 

 gently with the fingers, and the following ointment applied 

 daily: Extract of belladonna and gum camphor (one dram of 



