GENERAL SWINE MANAGEMENT 59 



In the immimization of swine against hog cholera, swine plague, 

 mixed infection and pig scour, various devices have been recom- 

 mended for restraining the animals. Small pigs and shotes weigh- 

 ing up to 100 pounds may be restrained as for the administration of 

 capsules. Some practitioners have found it convenient to use a V- 

 shaped trough in which the animal is secured by hobbles or ropes or 

 held by an assistant. The trough may be used in an almost vertical 

 position or it may be placed in a horizontal position. When used 

 in a horizontal position a loop of rope may be used to control the 

 pig's head, by placing the loop over the head and an assistant plac- 

 ing his foot on the other end and applying some traction to it. Such 

 equipment does not require many assistants, and is usually so con- 

 structed that it can be folded and carried by the practitioner. 

 Special tables have been designed for this purpose, some of which 

 are equipped with a scale for weighing the hog, thus enabling the 

 operator to estimate the proper dosage. 



Medication 



The administration of drugs to swine, particularly by the mouth, 

 is not always easily accomplished. When possible, it is advisable to 

 mix the medicaments in feed or water. Unfortunately, there is inap- 

 petence in the very cases in which medication is desired and the 

 drugs cannot be administered in the food or drink. 



Giving medicine in the form of a drench may be done, providing 

 the animal is properly restrained, but the outcome is always problem- 

 atic, and this method of administration of medicaments should be 

 resorted to only in those cases in which no other form of medication 

 is possible. In giving a drench to swine the fluid should be given 

 cautiously, permitting ample time for swallowing. Pigs and swine 

 weighing up to 150 pounds may be restrained for drenching by 

 having an assistant straddle the back of the animal and grasp both 

 front legs and raise its head slightly. The drench should be admin- 

 istered preferably through a tube or by means of a dose syringe, 

 after gagging by means of a stick or speculum. Larger hogs may 

 be restrained by throwing them and holding them in the decubital 

 position, but it is always dangerous to administer a drench under 

 such conditions. In most eases large hogs and even small swine 

 may be held by means of a snare, and the drenches administered 

 by means of a metal dose syringe. It is always advisable, whether 



