408 DISEASES LOCALIZED IN CERTAIN OBOANS 



Occurrence. — ^The disease is widely distributed and occurs 

 most commonly among pigs kept in unsanitary quarters or 

 which are allowed to root in soil polluted with the bacillus 

 of necrosis. 



Etiology. — The bacillus of necrosis. 



Symptoms. — ^The sjmiptoms very much resemble those 

 described for calves although the tongue is not so commonly 

 involved. The inflammation usually begins in the gums 

 about the incisor and canine teeth, which become swollen, 

 very sensitive, bleed easily and assume a bluish-red color. 

 In two or three days the involved areas are covered with 

 diphtheritic patches of yellowish, cheesy material which may 

 later slough, leaving behind ulcers. The inflammation may 

 extend to the snout causing it to become swollen, sensitive 

 and later necrotic. A fetid odor is exhaled from the mouth. 

 The process may spread to the pharynx, causing dysphagia; 

 or to the larynx, inducing dyspnea and cough. Later in the 

 disease blood-stained saliva flows from the mouth and the 

 incisor teeth become blackened and loose ("black tooth"). 



The affected pigs frequently attempt to nurse, but on 

 account of the sensitiveness of the gums, fail to get much milk. 

 They are usually dull, languid and remain lying most of the 

 time. In some cases a fetid, black diarrhea is manifest. The 

 udder of the mother sow may also be involved. 



Diagnosis. — ^The diagnosis is not difficult and depends upon 

 noting the characteristic necrotic lesions and the fetid 

 expirium. 



Course and Prognosis. — The course varies from a few days 

 to several weeks, depending upon the virulency of the infec- 

 tion. The prognosis varies. In milder infections, where 

 treatment is promptly applied, it is good; if neglected and 

 allowed to become chronic, or if the intestines are involved 

 (diarrhea), the prognosis is bad. 



Treatment. — ^Treatment, to be successful, must be applied 

 early. Once the disease is well advanced, it usually proves 

 fatal in spite of treatment. Antiseptics, such as silver 

 nitrate (1 per cent.), zinc chlorid (3 to 5 per cent.), creolin 

 (3 per cent.), or potassium permanganate (2 per cent.), applied 

 daily are recommended. A simple method of treatment is 



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