UEO-GENITAL SYSTEM 171 



ery, or in death within a few days. The chronic form may persist 

 for weeks or even months. 



Treatment. —Remove the cause of the trouble and establish sanitary 

 conditions. The treatment of symptoms as they arise will be of some 

 value. If an excessive quantity of serous fluid accumulates in the 

 pleural cavity it should be withdrawn. 



TUMORS 



Pleuritic tumors are not common in swine. Fibromas have been 

 encountered on a few occasions. Of the malignant tumors, endothe- 

 lioma and sarcoma predominate, but are unusual. 



Diaphragm 



SPASM OF THE DIAPHRAGM (THUMPS) 



Thumps is a condition caused by violent contractions of the dia- 

 phragm, and is relatively common in small pigs. 



Etiology. — Spasmodic contraction of the diaphragm is caused by 

 stimulation of the phrenic nerve. There are several different con- 

 ditions that appear to be causative factors in the production of 

 thumps. Disturbance of digestion is one of the most common asso- 

 ciated conditions that results in thumps. Overloading of the stomach, 

 improper food, gastritis and enteritis are conditions conducive to 

 thumps. Pneumonia, hog cholera, and a variety of other diseases 

 are frequently accompanied by thumps. 



Symptoms. — There is a sudden jerking of the flanks. This symp- 

 tom is very prominent when it occurs in a pig that ds standing 

 quietly, and there may be an accompanying sound that is quite dis- 

 tinct. There is regularity as to the frequency of the contractions; 

 sometimes they occur in rapid succession, followed by a period of 

 apparently a normal condition, then another series of contractions. 

 Exercise and a full stomach aggravate the condition. The pig may 

 become weak and emaciated. The course of the disease varies from 

 one week to two or three months. 



Treatment.- — Good nourishing food and plenty of exercise are 

 usually sufBeient to correct spasms of the diaphragm. Small doses 

 of from two to three drops of tincture of opium, administered with 

 oil, will tisually give temporary relief. 



