44 • DISEASES OF SWINE 



ly mentioned as causes of this disease. Under 

 these Conditions the air which the animals breathe 

 becomes charged with the irritating gases from the 

 bodies of the hogs and the surrounding filth, as well 

 as from the air given off from the lungs. Fumes 

 from irritating drugs may also cause it, and it may 

 develop as the result of a severe cold. 



Symptoms. — In the acute form the first symptom 

 noticed is a feverish condition and a loss of appe- 

 tite. The hog is depressed, the respirations are: 

 quickened, and the irritated condition of the lining 

 membrane of the air passages causes the hog to 

 cough. Little or no discharge from the nostrils 

 occurs, unless the bronchitis develops from a severe 

 cold. These acute symptoms do not last more than 

 a day or two, and, outside of a cough, the animal 

 appears well. Pigs are especially prone to coughing 

 spells, during which mucus is coughed up and 

 drops from the mouth. These attacks usually occur 

 on leaving the bed and on exercising, and when 

 the air passages are irritated by dust. 



Acute bronchitis does not run a definite course, 

 and if th§ exciting causes are kept up, may ter- 

 minate in the chronic form or an inflammation of 

 the lungs. In the chronic form unthriftiness and a 

 cough are the most prominent symptoms. Pigs 

 seldom die of this affection. 



Treatment. — The treatment is largely preventive, 

 and consists in avoiding such conditions as may 

 lead to an irritation and inflammation of the air 

 passages. The hog should be given clean, com- 



