32 DISEASES OF SWINE 



higher than normal, the respirations and pulse-beats 

 are quickened, and the urine scant and highly col- 

 ored. The hog's back may be sensitive to pressure, 

 but this is not usually manifested. When the hog 

 stands, the loins are arched and held stiffly, and the 

 hind feet are placed well under the body. 



In the latter stages of the disease, when the symp- 

 toms are severe, the urinary products accumulate in 

 the system, and what is known as uremic poisoning 

 occurs. Marked depression and convulsions are the 

 symptoms seen in such cases. 



Chronic inflammation of the kidneys may develop 

 very slowly without giving rise to any noticeable 

 symptom or symptoms, until the changes in the kid- 

 ney structure become so advanced that they cannot 

 perform their function, and death finally occurs from 

 uremic poisoning, or heart-failure. 



In the chronic form the symptoms are somewhat 

 different from those of the acute. The urine is clear 

 in color and secreted in large quantities. The hog is 

 stupid, sluggish, and unthrifty, and finally becomes 

 very weak. Faulty and weak heart action is also 

 a prominent symptom. 



Lesions. — The structural changes in the kidneys 

 vary. They may be of the normal size, or much 

 larger than normal. They may also appear pale, or 

 deep red in color. Sometimes, they are marked with 

 red spots, and the kidney capsule can be detached with 

 great ease. On sectioning a kidney, a thick urine 

 may be found in the pelvis and some fluid under the 

 capsule. 



