GENERAL SWINE MANAGEMENT id 



tect the pulse in swine it is not possible to make determinations 

 relative to the rhythm and quality of the pulse. Swine are appar- 

 ently not as subject to disturbanees of the heart and blood vessels as 

 other animals. 



DISEASES OF RESPIRATORY ORGANS 



Swine are relatively prone to diseases of the respiratory organs; 

 therefore a careful examination should be made to ascertain, if pos- 

 sible, the condition of those organs. The respiratory rate varies in 

 swine from 10 to 20 per minute. Large and mature swine breathe 

 less frequently than small pigs. Respiration is increased by excite- 

 ment and exercise and is relatively more frequent in high altitudes. 

 Inspiration may be prolonged by stenosis of the anterior respiratory 

 passages, and expiration may be prolonged by spasms of the 

 bronchioles or inefficiency of the diaphragm. Labored breathing or 

 dyspnea occurs as a result of fever, diseases of the lung, bron- 

 chioles, pleura, diaphragm and peritoneum ; in pulmonary emphysema 

 and edema. The exhaled air has a bad odor, from swine affected 

 with pulmonary necrobacillosis, and in some cases of medicamentous 

 pneumonia. 



NASAL DISCHARGE 



Nasal discharge is always pathological in swine. The quantity, 

 color and consistency of the nasal discharge should be carefully 

 noted. The quantitj' generally indicates the extent of the process; the 

 color and consistency and the nature of the process. If the discharge 

 is admixed with air and appears as a foam it probably originates 

 from the bronchioles and indicates bronchiolitis. Involvement of the 

 nasal mucosa and bulging of the nasal and facial bones occur in 

 bull-nose. In some cases, ulceration and necrosis of the nasal mucosa 

 are observed; they indicate necrobacillosis. 



COUGH 



Cough, a sudden expiration following a full deep inspiration, 

 is a common symptom occurring in a variety of respiratory diseases. 

 Cough also occurs as a result of inhaled foreign bodies, smoke, dust, 

 cold air, parasites, etc. A short hacking cough indicates disturb- 

 ances of the pharynx. Laryngeal irritation is evidenced by repeated 

 coughing. In bronchitis there is usually a moist deep cough. Para- 

 sitic pneumonia is usually manifested by a series of expulsive ex- 



