GENERAL SWINE MANAGEMENT 45 



confusion in the identification of diseases of swine by practitioners 

 has been largely due to the publication of contradictory statements. 

 Some practitioners diagnose practically all ailments of swine as 

 cholera regardless of evidence that would in some cases clearly indi- 

 cate some other disease. In some sections practically all diseases of 

 hogs are designated as "mixed infection," and in other localities, 

 according to reports, swine are always afflicted with "flu." 



The differential diagnosis of diseases of swine requires a compre- 

 hensive investigation including postmortem examinations. The ex- 

 amination of sick hogs as made by the general practitioner is usual- 

 ly entirely too superficial for a differential diagnosis. It is true that 

 the diagnosis made by the practitioner is correct in the majority of 

 instances, but an erroneous diagnosis will stand out prominently in a 

 community and will have a tendency to cause a lack of confidence 

 by the hog raisers in the veterinarian. The practitioner should edu- 

 cate his clientele as to the value of laboratory examination, which is 

 frequently necessary in making a positive diagnosis. Judgment must 

 be exercised in all cases and in many instances it may be advisable 

 to apply treatment before an absolute diagnosis has been made. 



A comprehension of the structure and functions of the various 

 parts of the body is indispensable. In other words, the successful 

 practitioner should possess a knowledge of anatomy and physiology 

 and the fundamental principles of pathology and bacteriology, as 

 well as a knowledge of therapeutics. Too many students in veteri- 

 nary colleges and some practitioners are of the opinion that their 

 success in practice will be measured by their knowledge of drugs, 

 serums, etc. The student and the practitioner should not obtain 

 less information upon therapeutics, but should obtain more informa- 

 tion upon the basic subjects of anatomy, physiology, pathology, bac- 

 teriology and chemistry, if they expect to render the service to the 

 live stock industry that is justifiable. 



In making an investigation of hogs for the purpose of diagnosis, 

 the veterinarian should be very deliberate. He can profitably sit on 

 the fence while he views the affected animals undisturbed, noting 

 their attitude and general behavior. After all information that is 

 possible has been obtained from "the seat on the fence," the veteri- 

 narian should walk leisurely around in the pen observing the general 

 movement of the swine, noting whether any symptoms are evident 



