70 DISEASES OF SWINE 



pains, and a prolonged and difficult birth. Hem- 

 orrhage may occur. If not too sick, the sow is seen 

 making a bed, the same as in a normal birth. 



In the infectious form the symptoms are not 

 usually marked. In the early period of pregnancy, 

 the accident may cause so little disturbance as to 

 escape observation for a time. Even in advanced 

 pregnancy it causes but little disturbance. The parts 

 are more or less prepared for the act, and as the 

 young are small and not fully developed they are 

 passed with ease. In most cases a chronic discharge 

 from the vagina follows the abortion, and the sow 

 remains sterile for several months. 



An easy abortion is not usually followed by serious 

 symptoms. The sow may -act dull and feverish for 

 a few days, and then show no further symptoms. 

 Certain complications are apt to occur, such as 

 hemorrhage and inflammation of the womb, peri- 

 tonitis, and leueorrhcea. However, the outcome is 

 favorable, and the animal makes a good recovery if 

 given proper attention and care. 



Treatment. — When the sow is pregnant, all pos- 

 sible precaution should be taken against accidental 

 injuries, as little can be done to arrest the abortion 

 after the disturbance has begun. All that can be 

 done is to keep the sow as quiet as possible and give 

 her comfortable quarters. To quiet her, tincture of 

 opium should be given in teaspoonful doses every 

 few hours. In case of a difficult abortion all neces- 

 sary aid should be given, and any complication that 

 may follow should receive prompt attention. 



