192 SOUTHERN PORK PRODUCTION 



tives and light feeding, with local applications of iodine 

 tincture or mild blisters, will assist in rapid recovery. 

 Another disease in boars is that of foul sheath, in which 

 an inflammation is set up in the sheath as a result of an 

 accumulation of dirt. The prepuce will swell and some 

 discharge may be noticed. Some local fever, painful 

 urination, retention of the urine and bad odor may be 

 found. The remedy is to place the hog on his back, wash 

 out the prepuce thoroughly with warm water, making 

 an incision if necessary, and keeping it free from infec- 

 tion by washing daily with a disinfecting solution. 



Diseases of the female reproductive system. — Barren- 

 ness in the sow is due largely to the same causes that 

 bring about sterility in the male, and the treatment con- 

 sists largely in removing the cause. High condition is 

 perhaps the most common cause of barrenness in the 

 sow. Closing of the os or entrance to the uterus, inflam- 

 mation with an acid discharge, old age, and morphological 

 conditions may result in barrenness. When a case shows 

 up, the first thing to do is to provide for ample exercise, 

 a reduction in condition if necessary, and if the periods 

 do not occur the sow should be placed in the lot with 

 the boar. If the sow comes into heat, but does not con- 

 ceive, the trouble may be local. If an inflammation is 

 present, it will have to be treated with disinfecting solu- 

 tions until stopped and, if the uterus is closed, it may 

 in most instances be opened. Most barrenness is due to 

 improper feeding and management. 



Abortions may occur in sows from injuries or from 

 infections. Crowding, exposure, o\'er-heating, excite- 

 ment, spoiled feeds and disease in general must be 

 avoided with pregnant sows. Nothing can be done to 



