LECTURE XLIII 

 COMMON MINOR DISEASES OF SWINE 



Posterior Paralysis 



Posterior paralysis is a rather common and serious condition 

 affecting swine ; it involves the hind quarters, and is probably a 

 symptom of several different disorders. In some cases it is 

 probably a disorder of the spinal cord ; in others, there is weak 

 bone due to poorly balanced diet. Still others are due to injury 

 inflicted by other stock, etc. Fracture of the femur or other 

 leg bones sometimes occurs in connection with rachitis (rickets), 

 and is mistaken for paralysis. Rachitis may appear, like pa- 

 ralysis in growing swine. Some cases are due to injury of the 

 spinal cord. Paralysis often appears in heavy hogs after ship- 

 ment by rail. Other cases are due to slow organic disease of the 

 spinal cord, the direct cause of which is not known. A common 

 type of posterior paralysis develops suddenly in old and heavy 

 swine, particularly those in high flesh, and is due to simple 

 constipation. 



Symptoms. — Some cases develop suddenly; others gradually. 

 Those which develop slowly show at first, irregular gait behind. 

 The legs cross in walking; there is difficulty in rising and a 

 general lack of control for the hind legs. 



If the case develops suddenly, there is inability to use the 

 hind limbs, which are limp and weak — not unlike affected limbs 

 of horses having azoturia. Hogs affected with this trouble often 

 retain good appetite and are, apparently, in good health for 

 weeks, having perfect control of the front limbs. If they move 

 at all, the hind limbs are dragged. 



Treatment. — For the heavy hog lacking in exercise, give a 

 decided physic, 10 to 20 grains of calomel or else two compound 

 cathartic pills in a small piece of pork ; or 2 oz. castor oil. The 

 rachitic form in young hogs is prevented by feeding skim milk, 

 tankage, etc., and giving more exercise. 



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