34 



SWINE 



SWINE 

 Sore mouths in young pigs. This con- 

 dition is frequently met with and is caUed 

 to the attention of the owner by the attempt 

 of the young pigs to suckle. The soreness 

 of the mouth prevents them from taking 

 nourishment and emaciation and death 

 follows. An examination of the mouth 

 reveals the margins of the gums swollen 

 with raw surfaces covered by a dead tissue. 

 The germ which is to blame, is found in 

 the digestive tract of swine and probal)ly 



in the soil as a re- 

 sult of contami- 

 nation from the 

 feces. 



The udder of 

 the mother be- 

 comes dirty as a 

 result of contact 

 with the ground 

 and the infection 

 is taken into the 

 mouths of the 

 young pigs when 

 feeding. 



Treatment con- 

 sists in the application of a weak solution of 

 blue vitriol api)lied with a swab to the sore 

 parts. The udder of the mother should ])e 

 washed with a disinfectant, and mother and 

 young removed to clean, dry quarters. 



Hog pens and enclosures should be kept 

 clean and disinfected at all times. (See hug 

 cholera.) 



Vomiting is quite frequently seen in swine 

 and may be due to over feeding, hog cholera 

 or a symptom of disease, poisoning from salt, 

 caustic potash. 



Air bubbles around intestines. This con- 

 dition is freciuently seen in hogs slaughtered 

 on owners' premises and causes more or less 

 alarm, hence it will be touched upon. These 

 small air bubbles present a grapy-like crys- 

 tal appearance. The exact cause is not 

 known. Carcasses of animals so affected are 

 perfectl}" good for food purposes. 



Heat stroke (see under "Horses" for 

 treatment) . 



"MASTERPIECE" 

 A Champion Berkshire Boar. 



THUMPS 



Spasm of the michiff common m young 

 pigs. They will jerk violently at the flanks, 

 sometimes quite rapidly, slowing down only 

 to start off again with greater energy. It is 

 often observed in young pigs well fed and 

 have not had sufficient exercise. Pigs con- 

 fined to small pens become sluggish, hence 

 it is advisable to force them to exercise, 

 otherwise thumps result. 



Rheumatism. Complaints are made of 

 this trouble. It is possible if swine are kept 

 in damp quarters. Occasionally the joints 

 are swollen and animal exhibits more or less 

 lameness. Change to dry, warm quarters. 



Rickets. In this case animals go down 

 behind, unable to use their legs. A condition 

 common in young thrifty hogs, due to a lack 

 of lime in the bones. 



There is little use in prolonging the life of 

 animals so affected. It is better to slaughter 

 them at once as the carcass can be used for 

 food purposes. To delay action means loss 

 of carcass, as animal may bruise itself and 

 develop fever, in which event it would be 

 unfit for food. 



"HICiH STYLE." A Eamous Boar. 



