260 SWINE PRACTICE 



The lesions found usually consist of vegetative growths or denuded 

 areas upon the endocardium, covering the valves. Either condition 

 is always associated with infection, and it is not difficult to demon- 

 strate bacteria in the lesions and exudation upon the serous lining 

 of the pericardium. The serous surface of the pericardium will have 

 lost its luster and the exudate may adhere to it in shreds. The 

 pericardium becomes thickened in chronic pericarditis, due to the 

 formation of fibrous tissue. 



CHRONIC ENDOCARDITIS 



(Valvular Insufficiency) 



Chronic valvular disease is not uncommon in swine. The valves of 

 the left side of the heart are most frequently affected. Autopsy of 

 such cases usually reveals vegetations on the mitral valves, myocardial 

 hypertrophy, edema of the lungs and in extreme cases ascites. Val- 

 vular disease is usually manifested by capricious appetite, dyspnea 

 of varying degree and edema. 



Blood-Vessels 



Diseases of the blood-vessels of swine have received very little con- 

 sideration, though, a few cases of aneurism have been recorded. 

 Thrombosis has been observed in a very few instances. Inflamma- 

 tory disturbances have not been reported, or at least the available 

 literature contains no records of such affections. Phlebitis has been 

 observed by serum producers. This condition has occurred in the 

 ear veins, but has not been of sufficient importance to occasion any 

 losses. "- , ^ ,- 



Blood 



Diseases of the blood of swine have received very limited consider- 

 ation up to the present time. 



ANEMIA 



Werner reported his observation of anemia in swine that had been 

 fed watery slop food, while Braasch observed anemia in suckling 

 pigs, but was not successful in identifying the cause. The usual 

 lesions of anemia consist of lack of blood, paleness of the various 

 tissues, emaciation, and a jelly-like consistency of the fat. The 

 affected animals are depressed, weak, and gradually become emaci- 



