98 DISEASES OF SWINE 



gullet, changing the position of the obstruction and 

 then working it forward. A blunt wire hook is some- 

 times used when the object is well forward. A 

 mouth gag and a probang may be used when neces- 

 sary. 



Drenching the hog with oils or mucilagenous 

 drinks (flaxseed tea, etc.) will lubricate the passages, 

 and the object may slip on down the oesophagus and 

 into the stomach. We must remember, however, that 

 the animal is unable to handle a large drench, when 

 in this condition, and give only a small amount at a 

 time, or a part may get into the air passages and do 

 a great deal of harm. 



Unless the hog is relieved shortly after the accident 

 occurs, it is best to slaughter it. 



RUPTURE— HERNIA 



Hernia or rupture is a condition in which a portion 

 of the intestines, or omentum have passed through 

 the walls of the abdomen and lie just beneath the 

 skin. 



Rupture in pigs is frequently due to some con- 

 genital defect, as an open umbilicus or a wide in- 

 guinal canal. At other times, it is caused by in- 

 creased pressure on the walls of the abdomen by the 

 intestines, due to the pigs piling up and lying on one 

 another, and to crawling through a small opening in 

 a fence. 



The different forms of rupture are discussed sep- 

 arately. 



