342 SWINE PRACTICE 



Lesions. — Foot-and-mouth disease assumes two forms, benign and 

 malignant. As a rule hogs are not as seriously affected with this dis- 

 ease as are cattle, a subacute or benign form being most prevalent in 

 these animals. The principal manifestation of this disease consists 

 of vesicles which develop around the coronary band and in the inter- 

 digital spaces. One or more feet may be involved and these vesicles 

 vary in size from a grain of wheat to a pea, and are usually of short 

 duration. The surface of the epithelium ruptures and later desqua- 

 mates, leaving a denuded surface. The surrounded surface becomes 

 tumefied and hypersensitive. Similar lesions may also be found on 

 the skin of the snout and less frequently upon the buccal mucous mem- 

 brane. If the animals are maintained in clean quarters the simple 

 uncomplicated lesions will heal in from ten days to three weeks. If 

 the animals are maintained in muddy, filthy pens secondary infections 

 frequently arise and the hoof may slough and the animals die of sep- 

 tic infection. Very rarely a general vesiculo-papular eruption may 

 occur on large areas of the skin. 



Symptoms. — The most pronounced symptoms of foot-and-mouth dis- 

 ease in hogs consist in lameness ; the principal lesions being found on 

 the feet. The animals have a disinclination to move and because of 

 the soreness tend to assume a decubital position. If the animals are 

 forced to move they will probably walk upon their toes. The lesions 

 in various stages of progress may be observed at this time by inspec- 

 tion. If the disease is of a virulent type there will be systemic 

 disturbances consisting of rise of temperature, inappetence, listless- 

 ness or dullness. If the buccal mucous membrane is involved, there 

 will be more or less salivation and disinclination to eat. 



Course and prognosis. — This disease usually runs its course in from 

 one to three weeks, although it may progress for a longer period. 

 The disease is ordinarily not fatal if uncomplicated in the hogs, 

 although the financial value of the animals is considerably depreciated 

 because of the fact that they rapidly emaciate. 



Tfeatment. — Thus far no treatment has been found that will 

 curtail the course of the disease. Animals that have had the disease 

 possess an immunity for a short time, probably not longer than six 

 months or a year. The disease is of such a destructive nature in so 

 far as the value of the animals is concerned, that it has always been 

 considered advisable to destroy the animals and disinfect the prem- 



