DISEASES OF THE HOG. 65 
Peritonitis sometimes comes on in the course of 
other diseases, particularly hog cholera, which it 
brings to a rapid, fatal issue. 
Symptoms: The disease is ushered in with a 
chill, there is great pain, the animal moves about 
in a very stiff manner and suffers intense pain, the 
abdomen is very tender to the touch and although 
it might be slight it will make the animal squeal. 
The muscles of the abdomen are contracted which 
gives the animal a tucked up appearance, there is 
usually some tympanitis which makes the muscles 
swell upwards and arches the back, the bowels are 
usually constipated and the urine is scanty and 
high colored, vomiting is very often present and it 
causes the animal great pain and increases the in- 
flammation and should be prevented, the pulse is 
very frequent, small and wiry, from 110 to 140 or 
more per minute, the breathing is short and fast 
and there is a marked expression of distress char- 
acterized by the contraction of the muscles of the 
face. The cause of peritonitis is generally rapid, 
and in fatal cases the animal usually dies within 
twenty-four hours, but in some few cases it may 
run for one or even two weeks. When the fatal 
termination approaches, the pain suddenly sub- 
sides or ceases altogether and the animal may lie 
perfectly quiet; at this stage the pulse is very small 
or may be imperceptible, the legs are coid and the 
skin of the body is usually of a purple color, green 
or black matter will often be vomited, coma or 
convulsicns take place and the animal soon dies. 
