216 VETERINARY STUDIES 



Congestion of the Lungs 



Congestion of the lungs is essentially an engorgement of the 

 pulmonary blood vessels, often caused by active exercise of 

 swine in high flesh. 



Symptoms. — These cases are usually acute and are likely to 

 end fatally. The symptoms are those of suffocation. There is 

 marked distress and hurried respiration, the mouth being held 

 open in an effort to get air. The pulse is rapid and weak, and 

 the animal is apt to fall suddenly. 



On examination post mortem the pulmonary vessels are found 

 engorged and the lungs dark. 



Treatment. — If the condition of the hog permits, use a stimu- 

 lant: aromatic spirits ammonia 1 to 2 drams, alcohol 4 drams, 

 in water, repeated at short intervals; for example, 15 minutes 

 to one half hour. The animal must be kept warm and the ex- 

 tremities rubbed vigorously. Extreme care is necessary in giv- 

 ing liquid medicines in these cases to avoid killing the animal 

 by suffocation. Hypodermic stimulants are safer. 



Constipation 



Constipation is a rather frequent cause of trouble among 

 swine. 



Cause. — This trouble is very frequently associated with high 

 feeding and lack of exercise, especially when the food is dry 

 and lacking in laxative material. It rarely affects hogs when 

 on grass, clover, roots, pumpkins, or other fresh vegetables. 



Symptoms. — The affected hog is restless, and occasionally 

 strains as though trying to pass manure; its manure is hard 

 and frequently covered with mucus, and the hog becomes dull 

 and loses appetite. 



Treatment. — Give 1 to 3 ounces of castor oil, depending on 

 the size of the hog, or as a substitute for the oil give Epsom 

 salts, in 1 to 3 ounce doses dissolved in warm water and admin- 

 istered as a drench. For mild eases of simple constipation, old- 

 fashioned senna tea, with rectal injections of warm water, is 

 usually very satisfactory. 



It is necessary to exercise great caution in giving liquid 

 medicine to hogs lest they be suffocated by drawing liquid into 

 the lungs while squealing. 



