DISEASES OF THE DIGESTIVE ORGANS 25 



short steps, and shows a great deal of stiflfness and 

 soreness when moving about. 



Peritonitis usually terminates in death. In some 

 cases it takes on the chronic form. When this oc- 

 curs the hog becomes very unthrifty and weak, and 

 after a time may die. It is in mild cases only that 

 recovery occurs. 



Treatment. — The preventive precautions consist in 



FIG. I — A BADLY CARED FOR WOUND IN THE ABDOMINAL WALL 



observing strict antiseptic precautions and cleanli- 

 ness in such operations as spaying and castrating, and 

 when assisting in a difficult birth. Wounds in the 

 region of the abdomen should be dressed daily with 

 disinfectants and kept clean. 



As early in the attack as possible a cathartic of 

 Epsom salts (three or four ounces), or calomel (ten 



