418 The Diseases of Animals 
heaping teaspoonful of saltpeter twice daily. Iodide of 
potash, in doses varying from three grains for a dog to 
a dram for a horse, may be given once daily, dissolved in 
water. The food of animals suffering from rheumatism 
should be carefully looked after, and a variety of laxa- 
tive, easily digested, nutritious material furnished. For 
puppies, plenty of milk should be allowed. 
“THUMPS ” IN PIGS 
“Thumps” is a name that is commonly applied to a 
peculiar spasmodic contraction of the diaphragm or 
midriff in young pigs. This eendition is usually as- 
sociated with some disturbance of the digestive system, 
and is likely to occur when the pigs are fed on one kind 
of food. Constipation and lack of exercise are often 
associated with this disease. Feeding the pigs too much 
at a time is often thought to be a cause. The real 
eause of the trouble is not definitely known. 
The pigs are noticed to be affected with a sort of 
hiceoughs that is persistent, and if not relieved is 
likely to cause death. There is a jerking movement 
of the muscles of the body that causes a peculiar thump, 
from which the disease takes its name. 
Empty the stomach and bowels by giving a purga- 
tive; this to be followed by a spare diet of laxative, 
nutritious food, given frequently in small amounts. 
Give from two teaspoonfuls to two tablespoonfuls of 
Epsom or Glauber salts, or one to four tablespoonfuls of 
eastor-oil, depending on the size and age of the pig. 
From one to four drops of Jaudanum, with one tea- 
