SWINE DISEASES AND THEIR CONTROL 175 



Likewise, we should know the recognized methods of 

 treatment for the more common diseases. It is an art 

 to be able to detect disease in its primary stage so that 

 it can be properly handled to prevent spread and properly 

 treated to effect a cure where possible. We must, there- 

 fore, know what the healthy condition of the hog is and 

 know what conditions are indicative of lack of health. 



In many diseases the first place where its effect will 

 be noticed is in the temperament or disposition of the 

 affected animals. They may be sluggish and dull, refuse 

 to eat, and show other indications of lack of health. On 

 the other hand, in some diseases the nervous system may 

 be so affected that they become excitable to the extent 

 of delirium. Staggering gait, convulsions, paralysis and 

 twisting of the head to one side and walking in a circle 

 are conditions of disposition and temperament sugges- 

 tive of diseased condition. 



Another valuable guide to the health condition of swine is 

 the condition of the hair or bristles. While the hog has 

 coarse bristles that are comparatively thinl}^ distributed 

 over his body, their general appearance is one of the best 

 indications we have of a hog's general condition or thrift. 

 When a hog is improperly nourished or is suffering from 

 disease, one of the first places it shows up is in the hair 

 coat. So long as the hair is bright and glossy, and lies 

 .down smoothly, giving the whole body a slick appear- 

 ance, we look upon the hog as doing well and in a thrifty 

 condition. If, on the other hand, the hair is dull and 

 stands on end and is inclined to curl up we say he is not 

 normal and is unthrifty or diseased in some way. This 

 unthriftiness may be due to lack of sufficient food or feed 

 of the right sort, or it may be due to parasites or to other 



