154 DISEASES OF SWINE 



Causes. — Filthy breeding pens can be considered 

 the primary cause. In such surroundings there is 

 danger of the umbiHcal cord becoming infected 

 with the proper disease producing germs, as it 

 is moist and soon becomes soiled and covered with 

 filth. When the pigs once have the disease, it 

 usually recurs in the successive crops of pigs, 

 unless the pens are cleaned and disinfected. Some- 

 times it spreads to other herds in the neighbor- 

 hood and causes heavy losses. 



Symptoms. — The affected joints. are swollen and 

 painful. Abscesses may form in different parts 

 of the body, usually about the naval opening. 

 In case the abscess at the umbilical opening is 

 large, it may discharge its contents into the 

 abdominal cavity, and cause the death of the ani- 

 mal. It is not uncommon, however, for it to 

 break on the outside. Sometimes, abscesses form 

 in the joints and break. In severe cases the in- 

 testines and other internal organs are affected and 

 the pig is constipated, or has a diarrhoea. 



In mild cases the pig is lame and weak, but 

 continues to suckle the mother. After a time it 

 will become stunted, unless cared for, and may 

 finally die. If the intestines are involved and the 

 joints badly inflamed, the appetite is lost and the 

 pig is feverish and weak. Death generally follows 

 within a few days. 



Treatment. — This is largely preventive. The 

 breeding pens should be clean, dry, and well 

 lighted. If the disease exists in the herd, the pens 



