l6 DISEASES OF SWINE 



be followed by a physic of calomel (ten to thirty 

 grains), or castor oil. To relieve the pain, a teaspoon- 

 ful of tincture of opium in about the same quantity 

 of linseed oil can be given, and repeated, if neces- 

 sary, every three or four hours until relieved. In 

 addition to the physic, rectal injections of warm, 

 soapy water may be necessary. When diarrhoea oc- 

 curs, it should be treated promptly. Nitrate of bis- 

 muth in half-dram doses, three times daily, siippli- 

 mented in bad cases by tincture of opium, will us- 

 ually check it. 



As a counter-irritant, oil of turpentine can be ap- 

 plied to the walls of the abdomen and covered up 

 until the skin is irritated and reddened. 



The best diet for the animal is thin, well-cooked 

 gruel. This should be fed until the hog is able to 

 digest heavier food. 



POISONING 



Meat brine and washing powders are the most 

 common causes of poisoning in hogs. There are a 

 number of other irritating and poisonous substances 

 and drugs that sometimes find their way into the food 

 and are eaten by hogs. A few of the more important 

 poisons will be discussed under their separate heads. 

 No great loss from this source occurs. 



Poisoning from Meat Brine. — Brine from meat 

 barrels and fish kegs is sometimes emptied into the 

 swill, or in some place where the hogs can get to it. 

 When eaten, it causes an intense inflammation of the 

 stomach and intestines. Hogs do not eat too much 



