The Hog (Youatt)/Chapter 7
ANATOMY AND DISEASES OF THE HOG.
CHAPTER VII.
A very slight acquaintance with that complicated and beautiful structure which we term the animal economy, will be sufficient to convince us that any rational method of investigating or treating disease must be founded upon an acquaintance with the general construction of the frame, the derangements and alterations to which it is liable, and a concise notion of the various systems or sets of organs of which the body is composed. Without this amount of knowledge it will be impossible correctly to interpret those signs of alteration of structure or function which constitute the symptoms of disease, and indicate its nature and seat.
If we would understand how to regulate the working of some complicated machine, we must not content ourselves with a mere cursory glance at its exterior, but closely inspect the different parts; make ourselves acquainted with their shape, situation, and arrangement; inquire into the principles upon which the whole is constructed, its mode of action, and the offices which each part was destined to perform. Proceeding thus, we shall arrive at a knowledge of the best means of preserving it from injury, repairing any accident that may happen to it, and maintaining it in a fit state for the efficient discharge of the duties it was intended to perform.
The animal economy consist of parts or organs, differing from each other in structure and function, yet all so intimately connected together, and so mutually dependent upon each other, that the cooperation of the whole is necessary to a state of perfect health; and if any one part suffer injury, the neighboring organs sympathize with it to a greater or less extent, and the working of the whole system is impaired. In order to arrive at a proper understanding of the functions of any one part of the body, we must study the whole; there is no other way of obtaining that insight into disease which will furnish us with a clear idea of the precise nature and seat of a malady, and the course of treatment most likely to be attended with success. The uninformed empiric who deals about his nostrums at random, is far more liable to put an end to the life of his patient than to arrest the progress of the disorder. Such men should never be allowed to tamper with the meanest animal. It is only to those who, from close study and long practice, have acquired an accurate knowledge of the anatomy, diseases, habits, and general management of domesticated animals, that their medical treatment can with safety be intrusted.
It is, however, by no means our intention in this work to give a formal treatise on the anatomy, physiology, and diseases of the pig, but simply to lay before our readers a tolerably comprehensive sketch of the general structure of the animal, and the alterations and evils to which certain parts are liable, and this divested as much as possible of all the technicalities of professional language. A description of the different parts, their form, situation, action, and functions, as well as their admirable adaptation to the ends for which they were designed, will lead us to a consideration of the diseases incidental to them to the treatment proper to be adopted and to some account of the various operations which it may occasionally be requisite to perform. In short, we would present them with a practical digest of all that is yet known relative to this too much neglected branch of veterinary science; one that shall serve as a book of reference in cases of doubt or emergency, and aid in introducing those great truths and leading doctrines, which form the groundwork upon which the practice of every branch of medical science ought to be based, into the last strongholds of ignorance and empiricism.
In entering upon the anatomy and diseases of swine, we may be said to take possession of a new and almost untrodden field, one as yet scarcely recognized as belonging to any earlier occupants; and here, in the onset, it will be as well to observe that, careful and lucid as we shall endeavor to make our descriptions, we should only mislead the agriculturist or grazier if we were to encourage him to believe that they will enable him wholly to dispense with a veterinary surgeon. Far from it; we would rather persuade him to seek at once the assistance of the well-educated and scientific practitioner, who, from close study, practical experience, and surgical skill, is qualified sucessfully to grapple with the most obscure and fatal diseases. We would enable him to assist the veterinary surgeon in his often arduous task, by giving him that information as to the previous symptoms, habits, &c., of the patient, which can alone enable him to proceed with certainty, and will tend to save the life of many a valuable animal; and, lastly, we would warn him against empirics.
Swine, from having been, until very lately, considered as a subordinate species of stock, have not yet, to any extent, become sharers in the benefits which an improved system of agriculture, and the present advancing state of veterinary science, has conferred upon other domesticated animals. When any thing goes wrong in the piggery, the farmer too often, instead of exercising that shrewd sense which he turns to so good an account in almost every other instance, either sends for the butcher, or consigns the sick tenants of the sty to the care of an ignorant "pig-doctor," whose whole pretensions to leech-craft rest on the possession of some antiquated recipe, which he uses indiscriminately as a grand panacea for "all the ills swine's flesh is heir to," or on the traditionary lore he inherits from some ancestor famous in his day for certain real or supposed wondrous cures. The treatment adopted in such a case is usually of a very summary nature: a drench is administered, the principal ingredients of which consist in whatever abominations happen to come to hand first when this learned practitioner is summoned. The unlucky patient's tail is next cut off, or he is bled "between the claws," and the "doctor," after some learned clinical remarks to the bystanders, swallows the customary mug of beer, and leaves his patient to contend with his disease and the remedy, one or the other of which in most cases speedily brings the matter to a conclusion, unless, with all the obstinacy inherent in a pig's nature, he lives on in spite of both.
SKELETON OF THE PIG.
THE HEAD.
- A. Maxilla interior, vel posterior—lower jaw.
- B. Dentes—the teeth.
- C. Ossa nasi—the nasal bones.
- D. Maxilla superior, vel anterior—upper jaw.
- E. Os frontis—the frontal bone.
- F. Orbiculus—the orbit or socket of the eye.
- G. Os occipitis—the occipital bone.
THE TRUNK.
- H. Atlas—the first vertebra of the neck.
- I. Vertebræ colli, vel cervicales—the vertebræ of the neck.
- J. Vertebræ dorsi, vel dorsales—the vertebra of the back.
- K. Vertebræ lumborum, vel lumbales—the vertebræ of the loins.
- L. Ossa coccygis—the bones of the tail.
FORE EXTREMITY.
- a. Scapula—the shoulder blade.
- b. Humerus—the round shoulder-bone.
- c. Sternum—the breast bone.
- d. Ulna—the elbow.
- e. Radius—the bone of the fore-arm.
- f. Os naviculare—the navicular bone.
- g. g. Phalanges, vel ossa pedis—the first and second bones of the foot.
- h. Phalanges, vel ossa pedis—the bones of the hoof.
HIND EXTREMITY.
- i. i. Pelvis (ossa innominata)—the haunch bones,
- j. j. Os femoris—the thigh-bone,
- k. k. Patella—the stifle bone.
- l. l. Tibia—the upper bone of the leg.
- m. m. Tarsus, (one of which is the (N) os calcis)—the hock bones.
- n. n. Os naviculare—the navicular bone.
- o. o. Digiti, vel phalanges (ossa pedis)—the first digits of the foot.
- p. p. Digiti, vel phalanges (ossa pedis)—the second digits of the foot.
THE SKULL AND SNOUT.
As the skull of the hog differs in many respects from that of the horse, ox, sheep, or dog, we shall now proceed to notice those points of difference.
From the point of the occiput to the tip of the nasal bone the profile presents an almost unbroken sloping line. The position of the orbit of the eye is lateral, giving to the animal a side, rather than a forward range of vision. The space occupied by the orbital processes of the frontal bone in the ox and horse, is in the hog supplied by a cartilage. The frontal bones unite together early, and the parietals appear to form but one piece. The frontal sinuses proceed to the occiput, and are only separated from each other by some longitudinal or somewhat oblique bony layers which do not entirely intercept communication: these and the sphenoidal sinuses render the cerebral cavity narrow, in fact the size of it is only half that of the cranium viewed from the exterior. The ethmoid and turbinated bones are larger and more fully developed in the hog than in the ox or sheep, in fact they occupy an intermediate grade between those of the horse and dog, being larger than those of the former, and smaller than those of the latter; they are spiral, complicated, cellular, and offer an extensive surface for the expansion of the olfactory nerve; the ethmoïdal fosset is very much sunk, of moderate size, divided by a very salient crest, and riddled with numerous holes.
The nasal bones of the hog are situated low down in the face, flattened, and well adapted to the situation and wants of the animal. They are attached to the frontals in a slightly curved direction across the face, by a strong denticulated suture. All communication between them and the lachrymal bones is cut off by the interposition of a projection of the frontals on either side; the suture between them and the superior maxillary is mortised; the anterior maxillary sends up a broad deep process more than half the length of the nasal bones, and the suture here is exceedingly strong. The bony nasal opening is but small, not one-sixth of the size of that of the sheep, and the apices of the bone form one sharp but rapidly widening point, which is carried forward to the anterior extremity of the maxillary. The suture between the nasals themselves is often so intricate, that before the animal is two years old, the upper part of it is perfectly obliterated, and the nasal cavity appears as if only covered by one bone. A very slight comparison of the face of this animal with that of any other will prove that strength is the object here in view; strength towards the inferior part of the bone. In point of fact the snout of the hog is his spade, with which, in his natural state, he digs and grubs in the ground for roots, earth-nuts, worms, &c. And to render his implement more perfect, an extra bone is added to the nasal bone. This one is short and trificial and placed directly before the nasal bones, with which, and with the edges of the anterior maxillary, it is connected by strong ligaments, cartilages, and muscles. This bone has been termed the spade-bone, snout-bone, and by some writers, the vomer, from Its supposed resemblance to a ploughshare. By it and its cartilaginous attachment is the snout rendered strong as well as flexible, and far more efficient than it could otherwise be; and the hog often contrives to give both farmers and gardeners very unpleasant proofs of its efficiency, by ploughing up deep furrows in newly-sown fields, and grubbing up the soil in all directions in search of his living and dead food.
The palatine bones constitute the crescentic and posterior border of the palate and nasal cavity; they do not advance further than just before the last molar tooth, instead of occupying a considerable portion of the palate. The palatine processes consist merely of bony laminæ.
As roots and fruits buried in the earth form the natural food of the hog, his face terminates in a strong muscular snout, insensible at the extremity, and perfectly adapted for turning up the soil. There is a large plexus of nerves proceeding down each side of the nose, and ramifying over the nostril, and in these doubtless reside that peculiar power which enables the hog to detect his food though buried some inches below the surface of the ground. The olfactory nerve, too, is large, and occupies a middle rank between that of the herbivorous and carnivorous animals; it is comparatively larger than that of the ox: indeed few animals, with the exception of the dog, are gifted with a more acute sense of smell than the hog. We have already spoken of the sow which was taught to hunt partridges, and proved as sure a finder and as stanch a backer as any pointer ever bred. To the acute sense of the hog are epicures indebted for the truffles which form such a delicious sauce, for they are the actual finders. A pig is turned into a field and suffered to pursue his own course and watched. He stops and begins to grub up the earth, the man hurries up, drives him away, and secures the truffle, which is invariably growing under that spot, and the poor pig goes off to sniff out another, and another, only now and then being allowed by way of encouragement to reap the fruits of his research. And how many a school-boy has by watching a hog along the hedge sides, and driven him away just as he began to dig, secured a fine juicy earth-nut!
The muscles, too, of the snout of the hog require some notice. According to Cuvier, there are four principal muscles proceeding to it; the superior of these proceeds from the lachrymal bone, which occupies a rather large rhomboidal space upon the cheek, and its tendon bears upon the snout, but does not approach sufficiently near it to unite with it. The next two are situated immediately beneath, and proceed from the maxillary bone; these are partially united, but their tendons pass on separately, one on the one side, and one on the other of the extremity of the snout; and the fourth and smallest passes obliquely beneath the tendons of the others, from the nasal bone towards the insertion of the second and third muscles. These longitudinal muscles are enveloped in annular fibres, which appear to be a continuation of the orbicularis of the lips, and give to the snout its extreme flexibility.
THE TEETH.
The hog has fourteen molar teeth in each jaw; six incisors and two canines; these latter are curved upwards, and commonly denominated tushes. The molar teeth are all slightly different in structure, and increase in size from first to last; they bear no slight resemblance to those of the human being. The incisors are so fantastic in form as to baffle description, and their destined functions are by no means clear. Those in the lower jaw are long, round, and nearly straight; of those in the upper jaw four closely resemble the corresponding teeth in the horse, while the two corner incisors bear something of the fleur de lis shape of those of the dog. These latter are placed so near to the tushes as often to obstruct their growth, and it is sometimes necessary to draw them, in order to relieve the animal and enable him to feed.
It is seldom that it becomes necessary to ascertain the age of the hog by inspecting his teeth, nor is it by any means an easy task to do so, but still it may occasionally be interesting, and, with reference to those intended for breeding, important to be able to do so when necessary.
The calculation of the age of the hog by means of reference to the mouth, has not yet been carried beyond three years; no writer seems to have gone much beyond the protrusion of the adult middle teeth of the lower jaw.
The hog is born with two molars on each side of the jaw; by the time he is three or four months old, he is provided with his incisive milk teeth and the tushes; the supernumerary molars protrude between the fifth and seventh month, as does the first back molar; the second back molar is cut at the age of about ten months, and the third generally not until the animal is three years old. The upper corner teeth are shed at about six or eight months, and the lower ones at about seven, nine, or ten months old, and replaced by the permanent ones. The milk tushes are also shed and replaced between six and ten months old. The age of twenty months, and from that to two years, is denoted by the shedding and replacement of the middle incisors, or pincers, in both jaws, and the formation of a black circle at the base of each of the tushes. At about two years and a half or three years of age, the adult middle teeth in both jaws protrude, and the pincers are becoming black and rounded at the ends.
After three years, the age may be computed by the growth of the tushes; at about four years, or rather before, the upper tushes begin to raise the lip; at five they protrude through the lips; at six years of age, the tushes of the lower jaw begin to show themselves out of the mouth, and assume a spiral form. These acquire a prodigious length in old animals, and particularly in uncastrated boars; and as they increase in size they become curved backwards and outwards, and at length are so crooked as to interfere with the motion of the jaws to such a degree that it is necessary to cut off these projecting teeth, which is done with the file or with nippers. (Traité de l'Age du Cheval, du Bœuf, du Mouton, du Chien, et du Cochon, par N. F. et J. Girard.)
THE BRAIN.
This important organ is not so large as from an external view of the cranium we should be led to suppose, the frontal and sphenoidal sinuses contracting the limits of the cranial cavity and rendering it narrow; it is, however, considerably larger in proportion to the size of the animal than that of the ox or sheep, being about l-500th part of the weight of the animal, while that of the ox is only l-800th part, and that of the sheep only l-750th part. The irregularities of the surface, or those prominences and depressions which define the organs in phrenology, are more marked in the pig than in the horse, taking the size of the animal into consideration, but not so much marked as in the dog.
The brain of the hog, like that of our other domesticated animals, is composed of two substances differing materially in appearance and structure; the one is of a pale gray or ashy hue, and termed the cortical or cineritious substance, and the other, from its pulpy nature and from being found deeper in the brain, the medullary substance.
These two distinct component parts of the brain are allowed by all scientific men to be intended for the discharge of two distinct functions. The mind or reasoning power is supposed to reside in the cineritious portion; and hence the preponderance of that substance in the human brain; while the medullary portion is merely the recipient of outward impressions upon the senses. There is very little difference between the proportions of these two substances in the brain of the hog and that of the sheep; if any thing, the hog has more of the cineritious portion than the ox; a proof, physiologists would say, that his reasoning powers or moral faculties are greater. We have already endeavored, we know not how successfully, to vindicate him from the charge of utter stupidity and unteachableness so generally brought against him, and pleaded the slight intercourse, compared with that enjoyed by other animals, which he has with man as the cause of it. There are anecdotes enough to prove them possessed of memory, attachment, and social qualities; but at present the system of treatment affords no scope for the development of any but mere brute and gluttonous instincts.
APOPLEXY.
As this is a disease which is chiefly induced by plethora, laziness, want of exercise, high feeding, and such like causes, it is not to be wondered at that it is frequent among swine; and in by far the majority of cases it is fatal; for either the animal dies suddenly without any precursory symptoms, or the progress of the attack is so rapid that before help can be obtained or remedies administered all is over. Where, however, the apoplexy does not destroy its victim in a short space of time, it may be subdued and the animal temporarily cured; but only for awhile; it invariably dies soon afterwards of inflammation of the brain. Sometimes apoplexy will run, like an epidemic, through a whole piggery, and where this is the case the causes of it must be diligently sought out and carefully removed.
The precursory symptoms which prognosticate apoplexy are dullness, disinclination to move, heaviness of the head, an uncertain and staggering gait, wildness and inflammation of the eyes, with apparent loss of sight, no appetite, and general numbness. The treatment must be prompt and energetic: bleeding from the palate; Epsom salts and sulphur as purgatives; or emetic tartar dissolved in water to induce vomiting. Strict attention to diet will be requisite for some time afterwards. No stimulating food should be given; the water should be slightly nitrated, and the animal bled at least every three months.
INFLAMMATION OF THE BRAIN.
Inflammation both of the substance and of the membranes of the brain is by no means of unfrequent occurrence, and almost invariably follows an attack of apoplexy. It is also induced by heating or exciting or indigestible food, as an over-feed of grains, or new corn, &c. The precursory symptoms are dullness, redness of the eyes, and disinclination to move; but as the inflammation becomes more intense the animal runs wildly to and fro, seems blind and unconscious where he is going, runs against every thing; the pulse is small and rapid; and the breathing slightly accelerated. The first thing to be done is to bleed, from the palate if possible; if not, or if sufficient blood cannot be obtained from there, let incisions be made in the ears, and these repeatedly washed with warm water, which materially increases the bleeding. Magn. sulph. with ginger should be given internally as a purgative. Enemas (clysters) have also a beneficial effect, and then the animal should have repeated cooling doses of sulphur. Castor oil and jalap have been given as purgatives; and the system stimulated by the application of a blister to the throat.
PHRENITIS.
This is a disease very much resembling the last mentioned, and is often called brain-fever or frenzy; it arises pretty much from the same cause; all excitants of the system, all things which tend to drive the blood to the head, will induce it. The symptoms are prostration of strength, blindness, frenzy, and often convulsions. The treatment must consist in copious bleedings and strong purgatives, which should be followed up by doses of sulphur to keep the bowels open. Croton oil with tincture of ginger has been given in extreme cases, and with beneficial effects. The dose for a moderate-sized animal is about two minims of croton oil and one dram of tincture of ginger.
SPINAL CORD.
Next to the diseases of the brain follows a consideration of those arising from the spinal cord. This proceeds from the brain to the tail, and is divided by a central line on the upper and under surface throughout its whole extent, forming it into two separate columns, each of which has been proved to possess a distinct and separate function, the inferior surfaces being connected with voluntary motion, and the central ones on the upper surface with sensation.
EPILEPSY.
The pig occasionally exhibits all the symptoms of epilepsy in their most frightful intensity, and whoever has carefully marked the habits of swine when not confined to the sty will easily be able to account for this; for, obtuse and stupid as it is the custom to denominate them, there is more excitability and nervousness in these animals than in many that have the credit of being more delicately organized. Note the manner in which they are affected by the approach of wind or storms how they run about in a state of highly nervous excitement with straw in their mouths; note the sympathy and terror a whole herd will exhibit while one of them is undergoing the operation of spaying or ringing, how they squeak in concert with his cries; see them at a fair under the irritation of strange scenes and noises, and we shall find sufficient indications of a susceptibility of impression to account for swine being peculiarly subject to epilepsy.
The prognostics are constant grunting, restlessness, acceleration of breathing, pallor of the skin, and a staggering gait. Then the animal suddenly falls as if struck by lightning, and for a few moments lies perfectly motionless; after which convulsions come on gradually, increasing in intensity until they are fearful to behold; the countenance is distorted, the neck curved in every direction, and the legs alternately drawn up to the body, and extended with momentarily increasing rapidity. The eyes protrude, the pupils are distended, and the balls roll about. The tongue is protruded and fixed between the clenched jaws; the teeth grind together, foam and saliva flow from the mouth. The pulse is wiry and small at first, then hard and bounding, and, as the intensity of the fit decreases, irregular and intermittent. Throughout the whole of the fit the animal remains perfectly unconscious, and as he recovers gets up, tries to hide himself in the litter or in a corner of the sty, and looks terrified and wild; then gradually the impression passes away, and he creeps out and begins to eat again. The seizure of one pig is often but a prelude to that of the greater number of those contained in the sty. The fits often succeed each other rapidly, two or three occurring in one day; and the cries uttered by the animals while in them are distressing in the extreme.
Medical treatment can only be resorted to in the intervals between the fits, and is seldom successful. It consists of cold affusions applied to the head, bleeding, and energetic purgatives, followed up by low diet, perfect quiet, and cooling medicines. The best way of keeping the head cool is to tie a piece of cloth about it, and then keep this constantly wet. A very efficient cold lotion for this purpose may be composed of a pint of vinegar to two quarts of water, and one ounce of sal ammoniac. Salts and calomel may be given as purgatives.
It is often difficult to determine what are the precise causes of epilepsy; the immediate one is generally some excitant or stimulant acting on a system predisposed by cerebral inflammation, or by intestinal irritation arising from worms, or other sources, to take on disease.
We quote a case communicated by Mr. Cartwright, of Whitchurch, to whom we are indebted for much useful information relative to the diseases of swine:—
"In 1825, I saw a pig that was taken ill in the following manner: He was a little stupid and dull, and now wandered about the sty unconsciously for a few minutes, and then appeared to be quite well; but in a few days after he became worse: he would rove forwards until he came to one wall, and then retreat backwards until he came to the other wall; and made a grunting and squealing noise all the time the fit was on him, which was usually a few minutes, and sometimes longer; and he had them every quarter of an hour, and even oftener. His fits continued to increase; when he had been thus for about five days he began, after so backing himself, to fall down at full length, stretch out his legs and tumble about, and appear as if dying, and make a shrieking noise as if in great pain, and seem to be blind. His pulse was very quick and full during the fits, but subsided a great deal when they were over. He ate at intervals between the fits when food was put to him. He continued in this latter bad state for three or four days, and got well in a few days after. I gave him salts and calomel during his illness, bled him in the tail and ears, and between his claws; but little blood, I fancy, was obtained from all the places; and I kept his head wet with cold water.
"About the same time a miller in this neighborhood lost five or six in a similar way, but I had not an opportunity of opening any of them."
PALSY OR PARALYSIS.
This is by no means a disease of frequent occurrence in our own country. It is treated of by French writers, who attribute it to low, marshy situations, bad or damaged food, or the avarice of the pig-owner, who, in order to fatten the animals more rapidly, gives them highly stimulating food, which irritates the intestinal canal, and through it the spinal cord. Eric Viborg, an authority quoted by Hurtrel D'Arboval, recommends wholesome food, clean straw, a dose of common salt as a purgative, and drenches of common salt and gentian.
But there is a kind of partial palsy which is caused by the presence of cysticercus cellulosa, a hydatid peculiar to the pig. M. Dupuy gives the following case which came under his observation:—
"Palsy of the hind limbs, with loss both of motion and feeling was observed in a pig eighteen months old. On carefully examining him after death, the muscles were discolored and softened. There were in the psoas muscles numerous cysts inclosing hydatids. Other cysts with their parietes, more thickened and fibrous, inhabited the muscles surrounding the trochanter, containing likewise hydatids. These parasites are also found in the lungs, the liver, and the cortical substance of the kidneys.
"Between the internal surface of the cyst and the hydatid was a fine white powder, resembling pulverized bones. The spinal marrow was softened about the lumbar and sacral regions, and the membranes were slightly reddened, particularly about the roots of the lumbar nerves."
It is generally the hinder parts of the pig which are paralyzed, either wholly or partially; in the former case the animal is totally unable to rise, in the latter he totters in his gait and falls when attempting to walk. Paralysis frequently accompanies chronic disease of the digestive organs, and is attended with loss of appetite, acceleration of the pulse, and swelling of the tongue. This disease is seldom obstinate; a removal of the predisposing cause, good nourishing food, a clean and well-ventilated sty, moderate exercise, and gentle purgative or cooling medicine, will generally restore the animal to perfect health in a short space of time.
TETANUS, OR LOCK-JAW.
This disease, which is commonly denominated Locked-jaw, is by no means an unfrequent malady among pigs. The symptoms are at first spasmodic motion of the head and of one or more of the extremities, grinding the teeth and rigidity of the jaws. This is soon followed by stiffness of the neck and greater part of the frame, and an unnatural upraised position of the head. The castration of young pigs will frequently produce this disease, especially if the animal is too well fed for a few days after the operation. It also often appears among pigs that are driven far to market, especially if when heated by travelling or exposure to the sun, they are suffered to roll themselves in ditches or streams, as they will endeavor to do. Bleeding, warm baths, lotions, &c., friction with stimulating oils, purgatives if they can be got into the mouth, if not, enemas and anodynes are the most efficient remedies. But the disease is too often fatal, and runs its course very speedily; if the animal survives the first twelve or eighteen hours, some hopes of his eventual recovery may be entertained.
RABIES.
Swine are by no means exempt from this frightful disease; there are numerous cases on record in which they have been inoculated by the bite of rabid dogs, and Hübner relates a case of inoculation from the bite of a rabid fox. The symptoms of rabies in the hog are peculiarly interesting at times from the resemblance many of them bear to those of the human being. At first there is dullness and indisposition, and the pig is continually licking the bitten part. Subsequently some are exceedingly ferocious, snapping at every body, gnawing every thing which comes in their way, dashing themselves against walls, or leaping over all obstacles. Others, again, are dull, stupid, refuse their food, stagger when they attempt to rise, and are paralyzed in the hinder parts. There is no absolute dread of water, but evident inability to drink. An animal that we saw went to the trough, smelt at the food, and brought his nose nearly in contact with it, then started back, trembled violently, and elevated his snout high in the air. Once or twice he attempted to take portions of meat or vegetable from the wash, but the attempt was always accompanied or followed by universal rigor and shuddering, during which the food was dropped from the mouth, evidently proving that the organs of deglutition were powerfully affected.
The animal is in a highly nervous state, and the sensibility of the skin is so excessive, that even if his mother licks him he screams with agony, and buries himself in the litter, uttering shrill squeaks on the approach of any one, or springs up into the air if he hears a loud noise, and falls down again in convulsions. There is in general no great secretion of saliva in these animals, and the delirium which characterizes rabies in the dog is rarely seen, or when met with is less evident and distinctive.
And yet this disease has been but little studied in pigs. Mr. Pritchard, V. S., of Wolverhampton, gives the following interesting account of some cases he met with:—
"A rabid dog entered the farm-yard of Mr. George Strongitharm of Calderfield, near Walsall, on the 27th of December, 1835, and attacked some pigs, which making a considerable noise, aroused Mr. S. and his servants from their beds, and they proceeded with their guns already loaded, discovered him, and succeeded in destroying him. Two of the pigs had evidently received wounds in their noses from the dog, which soon got well, no curative or preventive measures being had recourse to, and without much irritation or swelling taking place. After a fortnight had elapsed, nothing outward being observable in them, they were again turned into the yard to their old companions.
"A day or two after, on the entrails of a sheep being thrown to the pigs, all came and partook of it except the two that had been bitten. One of these was found dead in the litter, with a quantity of froth and slaver about his mouth; the other, in coming out of his bed into the air, immediately jumped up on all four legs like the bound of a deer, a yard at least from the ground, and threw from his mouth a portion of thick slaver and froth. Upon being again placed in the sty he was much convulsed, and made a shrill squeaking noise; his mouth was filled with saliva, and held continually open, nearly half an inch, except when champing his under jaw, which he frequently did with considerable twitching of the superficial muscles. He refused to eat or drink, gradually got worse, and died on the third day.
"Three weeks after, another of the pigs was taken ill. The symptoms were much the same. The effect of water was tried, and upon being thrown upon him caused him considerable distress, so that he leaped into the air and dashed his head against the wall, appearing quite delirious. He died on the second day. Not long afterwards another pig was attacked, the symptoms being similar to those in the former cases, only more violent; he died twenty-four hours afterwards, nothing having been done to disturb him. None of the pigs ate or drank any thing after they were first taken ill."
And the case we are now about to quote was communicated by Mr. Heaton, a human surgeon:
"About May, 1829, while visiting a patient, I was told that in a sty at the bottom of the yard there was a mad pig. Thither I repaired, when I was informed by its owner that the animal had been bitten about three weeks before by a strange dog, which had passed through the yard, and who was at the time, by those who saw it, declared to be mad; the dog appeared to be greatly alarmed and proceeded with swiftness; it was afterwards seen for the last time in some fields at the outskirts of the town. From the statement of the man it would appear that, on the morning of the day previous to that on which I saw the pig, the animal began to exhibit symptoms of great oppression at the præcordia; to this succeeded gradual inability to stand, fearful cries, and general uneasiness when disturbed, foaming at the mouth, and a disposition to eat whatever came in the way, &c. At six o'clock in the afternoon of the second day I first saw it, covered with straw and apparently quiet, until the rattling of the sneck of its door seemed to awaken the most painful apprehension, and its mental agony seemed almost insufferable. The sense of sight seemed no less acute than that of hearing, which was manifested by the animal's convulsive efforts to hide even its head beneath the straw; this accomplished, it became somewhat tranquil, and was constantly devouring its own litter, excrement, &c., &c. Its eyes had the suspicious glance of those of a phrenetic patient, its breathing was preternaturally quick, and its efforts to stand wholly abortive. In this state it continued two hours, when half a pint of train oil was attempted to be poured into its mouth, the greater part being wasted, and the animal instantly expired. I regret that the approaching night, and the man's desire to bury the carcass, restricted the post-mortem examination, which merely went to show that upon the division of the costal cartilages the lungs protruded, as if too large for the cavity of the thorax, and, being cut into, poured forth a frothy mucus, resembling in color and consistence soap lather; the stomach and duodenum were filled with the matters above described to have been eaten, not however impacted, probably owing to the premature death. I have little doubt from the symptoms that, had the examination gone so far, the vessels of the brain and spinal cord would have been found injected. The splash of water certainly caused disquietude; but, inasmuch as noise of any sort produced similar effects, it is doubtful whether aversion to fluids existed; and yet the circumstance of death instantly following the oil-draught, would warrant the belief that spasms of the muscles of deglutition, with the temporary closure of the glottis, occasioned suffocation and death."
Among all the numerous cases of rabies which we have met with in the course of our practice, we have never had the opportunity of examining the post-mortem appearances of a rabid pig; but it seems to be generally admitted by those who have done so that there is invariably inflammation about the glottis, and very considerable inflammation of the villous coat of the stomach, especially about the pylorus, towards the cardia. and on the surface of the two rugæ; in some parts the inflammation had almost merged in mortification. The stomach is generally filled with every kind of filth and rubbish, and the bladder distended with urine.
The disease generally appears in the third or fourth week after the animal has been inoculated, but it has been known to lie dormant for two months. Incision of the part and the application of the cautery as soon as possible after the animal has been bitten, are the only preventive means: cure there is none when once this disease has made its appearance, and those who rely on the infallible nostrums of some learned "pig-doctor," will find themselves disappointed; the symptoms may be alleviated by certain drugs, but rabies is incurable.
We are not aware that rabies has ever been known to be communicated by the bite of a pig, but Julian Palmarius states that he has seen horses, cattle, and sheep, become rabid from eating the straw in which rabid pigs had lain; and Dr. Shackmann corroborates the fact.
It has been a much disputed point whether or not the flesh of animals which have died rabid can be eaten with safety. Two eminent scientific men in Paris ate of such flesh without experiencing any bad effects. The carcass of an ox that had been bitten by a rabid dog, and had exhibited all the symptoms of rabies, was cut up and sold, but it did not appear that any of those who ate of it experienced the slightest inconvenience. Again, at the Royal Veterinary School at Alford, the tongue of a rabid horse was given to a dog; the animal devoured it, and lived on in perfect health.
But the opposite party bring forward as many authenticated facts in support of the contrary opinion, and the one with which we now chiefly have to do is narrated by Schenkius: "A tavern-keeper in the duchy of Wurtemberg, served up the flesh of a pig that had died rabid to some customers who were dining at his inn. All those who partook of it were shortly afterwards attacked with rabies." Pierre Borel records a very similar case.
We, should most strongly urge the prudence of abstaining from the flesh of all rabid animals, and not only of abstaining from it ourselves, but putting it out of the reach of other animals; and the best way to do this is to bury the carcass six or eight feet under ground, and cover it carefully and closely up.
NASAL CATARRH.
We have already spoken of the formation of the nose or snout of the pig, and will now proceed to describe a disease vulgarly called the snuffles, or sniffles. It is characterized by defluxion from the nose in the first place, and its advance is so gradual as to be almost imperceptible. But it gains ground daily—attacks the respiratory passages—cough and sneezing come on—there is evident difficulty of swallowing, and the respiration is impeded by the mucus formed. After some time the membrane of the nose becomes thickened, the nostril swelled and deformed, and the snout drawn on one side. Blood is often discharged from the nostril, and when this has been the case all the symptoms are abated and the animal seems relieved for awhile. But it too frequently happens that this discharge or hemorrhage returns again and again, each time in increasing quantities, until the strength of the animal becomes so undermined that notwithstanding the utmost care and the most nourishing diet, he dies of exhaustion, or perhaps, as it may be more properly termed, consumption.
This disease, which strongly resembles glanders and distemper, is like them hereditary, and may be communicated from either the male or female parent. It also results from exposure to damp or cold.
Emetics and tonics are the best means of combating it. A solution of sulphate of copper in doses of from three to five grains morning and night will sometimes eventually effect a cure, assisted by strict attention to diet and regimen. But in by far the majority of cases the disease runs its course and terminates fatally, for it has generally gained the upper hand before much notice is taken of it.
THE LARYNX.
This instrument of voice consists of five cartilages united to one another by a ligamentous substance, by distinct articulations, and by a seemingly complicated but really simple muscular apparatus. In form it is an irregular oblong tube, exceedingly flexible, and capable of adapting itself to all the natural or morbid changes of the respiratory process, and to the production of all the various intonations of sound or voice by which the animal expresses his emotions. It is placed at the top of the windpipe, guards the exit from the lungs, and prevents the passage of food into the respiratory canals.
The Ericoid cartilage constitutes the base and support of this organ, and serves in great measure as a bond of union to the rest.
Placed above and resting upon this are the Arytenoid cartilages, prolongations of which rest upon the Chordæ vocales, and influence their action. The vocal ligaments take an oblique direction across the larynx in the pig instead of a straight one, so that the angle is at a considerable distance from the thyroid cartilage. They have also a curious slanting direction, the anterior angle being depressed and the arytenoid portion elevated. About the middle of the chordæ vocales, and immediately above them, are two sacculi, which are generally supposed to be concerned in the act of grunting. From the anterior parts of the larynx springs the epiglottis, a heart-shaped cartilage placed at the extremity of the opening into the windpipe, with its back opposed to the pharynx; its use is this: food passing from the pharynx in its way to the œsophagus presses down the epiglottis, which, closing the aperture of the larynx, prevents any portion of the food from entering it. As soon as the food has passed, the elasticity of the epiglottis, assisted by that of the membrane at its base, and still more by the power of the hyo-epiglottideus muscle, enables that cartilage to rise up and resume its natural position.
The thyroid cartilage envelops and protects all the rest, and shields the lining membrane of the larynx, which vibrates under the impulse communicated by the passage of the air, and gives the tone or voice.
In the larynx of the hog we find that beautiful adaptation of means to the end. The space between the arytenoid cartilages is less, comparatively speaking, than in the horse or dog, speed not being required in swine. The epiglottis, too, is larger than in the ox, sheep, or horse, and differently constructed; it is more flexible, from the cellular ligamentous substance at the base of it being looser; and from its increased size, and the curved direction of its edges, it not only covers the opening into the windpipe, but in a manner embraces the arytenoid cartilages when pressed down by the passage of food, a formation admirably suited to an animal who is constantly plunging his nose and muzzle into the mud or dirt, and who, by blowing into his food in the peculiar way pigs are apt to do in order to stir up the sediment, would otherwise be constantly getting some irritating and noxious matters into his windpipe. The inferior cornu of the thyroid bone is comparatively more developed in the hog than in other domesticated animals.
THE PHARYNX.
The pharynx, to which we just now alluded, is a membranous, muscular, funnel-shaped bag, extending from the root of the tongue to the larynx and œsophagus, wide in front and becoming gradually narrower until it terminates in the œsophagus. Its office is to convey the food from the mouth to the upper part of the gullet, and this it performs by means of its lining muscles. Properly speaking, we ought perhaps to have noticed it when speaking of the digestive system, but as we are proceeding from the head to the neck we have included it in this division of our subject.
THE OS HYOIDES.
This is a body which embraces the thyroid cartilage of the larynx, and gives support and protection to it, and also affords attachments to the hyo-glossus longus muscle, or that which draws the tongue into the mouth; the brevis, which fulfils a similar office; the hyo-pharyngeus, which dilates the pharynx; the anterior constrictor pharyngeus, which contracts the pharynx, and several others.
This bone in the human being is supposed to resemble the Greek letter upsilon; in the horse it may be compared to a spur, but in the swine it is different. This animal requires a freer use of the tongue. The shorter cornua are stronger than in the horse, or even the ox and dog; the central one is less developed, and the longer cornua is thin and insignificant. There is also considerably less ligament interposed between this bone and the thyroid cartilage, which it almost closely embraces. We will now proceed to a consideration of the diseases of the throat and neck.
STRANGLES OR QUINSY.
These diseases are of very frequent occurrence, and as they are rapid in their progress, generally exceedingly fatal. They chiefly attack fattening hogs.
The glands under the throat begin to swell, and thus affect not only the respiratory organs but the act of swallowing; impeded respiration, hoarseness, and debility then supervene; the pulse becomes quick and unequal, the head to a certain extent palsied, the neck swells, tumefies, and rapidly goes on to gangrene; the tongue hangs from the mouth, and is covered with slaver, and the animal gradually sinks. In the commencement of the disease very simple treatment, as cooling medicines, attention to diet, and care and warmth, will often suffice to check it; but when the swelling, impeded respiration, and difficulty of swallowing has come on, recourse must be had to more energetic treatment. Bleeding and purgatives are first indicated; setons and puncture of the swollen glands have also been recommended, and in extreme cases there is no reason why we should not have recourse to blisters and external stimulants as counter-irritants.
A diseased animal should never be allowed to remain aomng healthy ones, as this malady is so infectious that it may almost be regarded as an epizoötic.
Mr. Cartwright, veterinary surgeon, of Whitchurch, who has paid much attention to the diseases of swine, gives the following account of some fatal cases of inflammation of the glands of the throat in the "Veterinarian:"—He says that he had six pigs attacked at nearly the same period. Their respiration was very quick; they husked and foamed at the mouth. They could not bear to be pressed on the throat, and swallowed liquids with difficulty. To some of them jalap was given, and to others castor and goose oil. One was blistered under the throat, and all bled by cutting off their tails. They died in the course of eight-and-forty hours from the commencement of the disease.
On examination he found much inflammation under the jaws and throat, and also much of swelling with effused serum. In some of their windpipes, and the branches of the bronchia, there was a great quantity of mucus, but no apparent inflammation. In one the heart appeared to be inflamed, but most probably sympathetically.
Columella thus speaks of these diseases:—"Such swine as have swellings of the glands under the throat must be let blood under the tongue; and when it has flowed abundantly, it will be proper that their whole mouth be rubbed over with bruised salt and wheat-meal. Some think it a more present and effectual remedy when they pour into each of them, through a horn, three cupfuls of garum, or salt-fish pickle; then they bind cloven tallies, or cuttings of fennel-giant with a flaxen cord, and hang them about the necks, so that the swellings shall be touched with the fennel-giant cuttings."
If we may judge by the writings of the ancients, the most prevalent diseases among pigs were those of the glands of the throat. Didymus gives a long and accurate description of them.
Hurtrel D'Arboval also gives an account of a disease of the glands of the throat, which he denominates Poil piqué, maladie piquante, or soie, and states it to be peculiar to swine: he thus describes it:—
It is situated on one or both sides of the neck, between the jugular vein and the tracheal artery. On the part affected is seen a raised tuft of hairs, differing from any of the others, being hard, rough, dull, and discolored, and exceedingly painful to the touch; and if one be pulled out the skin comes away with it. At first there is only a slight depression or concavity of the part; but the skin soon becomes red, then violet-colored, the hairs conglomerate, the parts become softened, tumefied, and even proceed to mortification. Meanwhile the animal betrays symptoms of thirst, there is dulness, loss of appetite, and grinding of the teeth. As the malady progresses the patient becomes inert, deaf, insensible to blows, lies down constantly, and totters and falls if compelled to rise; the flanks heave, the mouth is hot and full of slaver, the tongue red and inflamed, the lower jaw convulsed, and the conjunctiva injected; the animal utters plaintive moans, and if not speedily relieved dies of suffocation, from the effects of the pressure of the tumor upon the air-passages.
D'Arboval attributes this disease to the irritation caused in some of the cutical tissues by the abnormal growth of the tuft of hair, which, uniting with some internal sympathetic irritation induced by heating food, damp litter, hot ill-ventilated styes, or such like prejudicial influences, acts locally and determines this disease of the glands. Other French writers believe it to be epizoötic and to arise from certain miasmatic influences.
Tonics, acidulated drinks, warmth, cleanliness, strict attention to diet, and the application of actual cautery to the root of the evil—the tuft of hair is the treatment prescribed.
THE CHEST OR THORAX.
In the human being this constitutes the superior, and in quadrupeds the anterior portion of the body; it is separated from the abdomen by the diaphragm. This latter is of a musculo-membranous nature, and is the main agent in respiration; in its quiescent state it presents its convex surface towards the thorax, and its concavity towards the abdomen. The anterior convexity abuts upon the lungs, the posterior concavity is occupied by a portion of the abdominal viscera. The diaphragm of the pig resembles that of the ox and sheep.
The chest is divided into two cavities by a membrane termed the mediastinum, which evidently consists of a duplicate of the pleura or lining membrane of the thorax. The pleura is a serous membrane possessed of little or no sensibility, and acted upon by but few nerves. It it smooth and polished; covers the bony wall of the thorax from the spine to the sternum, and from the first rib to the diaphragm, and dilating and forming a kind of bag which spreads over and contains the whole of the lung.
The lungs form two distinct bodies, the right being somewhat larger than the left one; they are separated from each other by that folding over of the pleura termed the mediastinum, and hence may be said to be inclosed in separate bags, or to have distinct pleuras. Each lung is subdivided. The right one consists of three unequal lobes, the smallest of which is again subdivided into numerous lobules, differing in number in different swine. The left lung consists of two lobes, and the scissure between these is not very deep.
Beneath the left lung the heart is situated and partially inclosed in another membranous bag termed the pericardium, which closely invests, supports, and protects it. The heart has two sides, the one devoted to the circulation of the blood through the lungs, and the other to its circulation through the frame generally. Each side is divided into two compartments, the one above, the other below, which are termed the auricles and ventricles. The right auricle as well as the ventricle is larger than the left, and its parietes are thinner. The longitudinal tendinous cords of the ventricle are more firm and distinct in the pig than in the ox or sheep, and the fleshy prominences shorter. The tendinous cords of the left ventricle are few in number, large, and ill defined. The aorta of the pig separates almost immediately after its commencement into two trunks, the smaller of which leads forwards and gives forth those arteries which in other animals arise from the cross of this artery; and the other, which is longer in diameter, inclines backwards: these are usually termed the anterior and posterior aorta.
The beating of the heart may be felt on the left side, whence also the pulse may be taken, or from the femoral artery which crosses the inside of the thigh in an oblique direction. In swine in a state of health the pulsations are from seventy to eighty in a minute.
DISEASED VALVES OF THE HEART.
This appears to be a more common malady than is generally suspected, for in repeated cases of sudden death, where a post-mortem examination has been made, there have been found fleshy excrescences or tumors on the tricuspid valves. We believe Mr. Cartwright, whose name we have already mentioned, was one of the first persons who drew attention to this disease. The only marked precursory symptoms appear to be inappetency and very shortly before death difficulty of breathing and evident distress. In one pig that died thus suddenly, Mr. Cartwright found several uneven watery excrescences, some as large as marbles, growing from the edge of the auricula-ventricular valves of the left side; also several small papillary growths, all of which served three parts to close up the ventricular opening.
In another case he found a loose, jagged, watery excrescence growing from the whole surface of the tricuspid valves, closing up, in a great measure, the ventricular opening, and projecting at least half an inch into the left auricle. In a third, the valves of the left auricle were thickened, schirrous, and presented a ragged uneven surface. The orifice of the ventricle was almost closed up by this diseased substance, and a portion had forced its way into the aorta. This disease was always found in the left side of the heart, and in no case did it extend beyond the circumference of the valves; the lining membrane of the heart always remained intact.
BRONCHIAL TUBES.
Swine are very susceptible of bronchitis, and also liable to worms in the bronchia, both of which affections manifest themselves under the form of cough, inappetency, and loss of flesh. The former may be subdued by bleeding and cooling medicines, as sulphur, cream of tartar, or pulv. antimonialis: the latter almost invariably cause the death of the animal from the irritation they create and the inflammation which is thus set up.
INFLAMMATION OF THE LUNGS.
This disease is perhaps more generally known under the term of rising of the lights; it is one of the most prevalent and too often the most fatal of all the maladies that infest the sty. It has been supposed by some, persons to be contagious, by others to be hereditary, but there does not appear to be any actual foundation for either of these opinions. By far the most probable supposition is, that it arises from some atmospheric influences or agencies which create a tendency to pulmonary affections, and these, acting upon a system heated and predisposed to disease by the mode of feeding adopted in most piggeries, give a serious and inflammatory character to that which would otherwise be merely a simple attack of catarrh; or it may arise from some irritating influence in the food itself, or from damp, ill-ventilated styes: whatever be its cause, it generally runs through the whole piggery when it does make its appearance. The prominent indications of disease are loss of appetite, incessant and distressing cough, and heaving at the flanks.
As soon as the first symptoms are perceived, the animal should be bled; the palate perhaps will be the best place in this case to take blood from; purgatives must then be given, but cautiously; Epsom salts and sulphur will be the best, administered in a dose of from two to four drachms of each, according to the size of the animal. To these may succeed sedative medicines: digitalis, two grains, pulv. antimonialis, six grains, nitre, half a drachm, forms a very efficient and soothing medicament for moderate-sized pigs, and will often produce very satisfactory effects; cleanliness, warmth, and wholesome, cooling, nutritious food, are likewise valuable aids in combating this disease. But whatever measures are taken, they must be prompt; for inflammation of the lungs runs its course with rapidity and intensity, and, while we pause to consider what is best to be done, saps the vital energies of the patient.
PLEURO-PNEUMONIA.
This disease often breaks out among pigs as well as horses, cattle, and sheep, and commits great devastation. We shall quote some accounts of its progress, treatment, and post-mortem appearances given by English and foreign veterinarians, by whom it is classed under the head of
EPIDEMICS.
M. Saussol narrates that during the summer of 1821 nearly all the swine in the neighborhood of Mazamet were attacked by a violent and mortal disease that spared neither age nor sex, fat nor lean. He rates its ravages at about one-fifth of every four hundred patients.
The first symptoms were inappetency, thirst, dullness, groaning, and seeking of moist places; then followed hardness of the belly, heat of the skin, constipation, diminution of the urine, difficulty of respiration, heaving of the flanks, and short cough; the eyes were full of tears, and the mucous membranes inflamed. All these symptoms came on in the course of twelve hours. If the disease continued, the succeeding symptoms were still more alarming; the animals began to stagger about, the limbs were stretched out in an unnatural position, rattling in the throat came on, they supported themselves against the wall, and only fell to die a few minutes afterwards. Death usually came about the third day, and was in some cases preceded by convulsions of the face and extremities.
Treatment.—Copious bleedings from the sacro-coccygean arteries and veins, or, if these did not yield blood enough, amputation of the tail, hot baths, a seton covered with blistering ointment inserted in the chest, camphorated and laxative drenches, and a decoction of borage, mallows, and lettuces, slightly acidulated, to drink.
Causes.—Exposure to the heat of the sun, want of water, feeding on dry plants; returning home in the evening exhausted, receiving a hearty feed, and being then shut up in ill-ventilated styes without drink until morning.
Preventive treatment.—Troughs of acidulated nitrated water placed in the styes and frequently renewed; non-exposure to the heat of the day, means of bathing, bleeding, cleanliness, and ventilation; moderate feeding, and gentle exercise after the sun had set. These precautionary measures, M. Saussol says, arrested the progress of the disease.
Post-mortem appearances.—The thoracic cavity was filled with bloody limpid fluid; the lungs much inflamed; the pleura thickened, inflamed, and injected; the diaphragm covered with black patches of the size of a shilling; the mucous coat of the intestines slightly inflamed; the windpipe and bronchial tubes full of reddish froth; the brain covered with reddish serosity.
The next account we come to gives a description of a somewhat different epidemic which occurred in Aveyron and its environs, attacking both the respiratory and digestive organs, and running its course with astonishing vigor and rapidity, frequently sweeping off all the inhabitants of a piggery in from twelve to fourteen hours, and in the more virulent cases in less than half this time.
Symptoms.—In the worst cases these are sudden loss of appetite, small and frequent pulse, haggard eyes, the conjunctiva inflamed, the mouth open, red, and filled with foam, the respiration laborious, plaintive cries, convulsions, palsy of the hind limbs, and involuntary discharge of highly fetid fæces. Death here is the inevitable termination, and that in a short time. But where the progress of the disease is less rapid, the symptoms assume a milder form, and medical aid is available and often beneficial. Pregnant sows escape the attack of this malady, but as soon as they have farrowed they lose this immunity and they and their young take it. It also seems to spare leprous swine. It appears at all seasons of the year, but is most malignant in the summer and at the commencement of autumn. There can be no doubt as to its contagion, and from some experiments made, it can be reproduced in other animals by inoculation, particularly in sheep. The flesh of pigs that have died of this disease has been given to dogs and eaten by them without producing any bad effects.
Causes.—Unwholesome food, ill-ventilated styes, want of attention to cleanliness, exposure to heat, wet, or cold, are the predisposing causes; and probably some miasmatic influence develops the disease.
Treatment.—In the most virulent cases almost all modes of treatment are unsuccessful; or if they do succeed in rescuing the animal from death, he generally falls into a state of marasmus, or becomes paralytic. In the milder cases the following means have often proved efficient:—Seton in the chest; a decoction of sorel, with camphor, nitre, and calomel, as a drench; emollient injections, slightly acidulated; stimulating frictions of the dorsal and lumbar regions, or bathing these parts with hot vinegar; and water thickened with oat or barley-meal as the sole diet and drink. Venesection is here dangerous, tending only to undermine the strength of the patient, this disease being evidently one which alters, decomposes, and vitiates the blood. Acetate of ammonia, administered in doses proportionate to the size of the patient, has been of service. Purgatives should be avoided, as they are of very uncertain benefit. Directly an animal is attacked he should be removed from the others, and placed in some comfortable place.
Prevention.—Strict attention to diet, cleanliness, ventilation, and comfort; and a plentiful supply of clean water, both for the animals to drink and to bathe themselves in. In cold and rainy weather they should be kept in their styes; and during the heat of summer their drink should be slightly nitrated, acidulated, or salted. Whey is an excellent thing for those that are weakly. Small doses of camphor and nitre, with the addition of a few grains of calomel, administered in some cooling vegetable decoction, is a useful preventive. If one pig is attacked he should be removed, and the others taken out while the sty is well fumigated.
In 1838 we have accounts of an inflammatory epizoötic among pigs, rapid and fatal in its course, and attacking by preference store pigs rather than those put up to fatten.
Symptoms.—Prostration of strength, difficulty of breathing, discharge from the mouth and nostrils, constant cough, and reddish hue of the skin. These went on increasing in intensity until death put a period to them, which usually occurred in from three days to three days and a-half after the commencement of the attack.
Treatment.—Bleeding and laxative medicines, stimulating frictions of the trachea and parietes of the thorax, seemed to be the most efficient remedies. Doses of tartarized antimony and Hydrarg. Sub. Mur. in three grains of each, administered every twelfth hour, produced vomiting, and appeared to give ease. Sulphate of magnesia relieved those cases in which there was constipation. The causes seemed obscure. The epidemic prevailed in the summer; but whether it arose from the warmth of the weather, from want of a sufficient supply of water, or from dry and heating food, was not at all evident.
Paulet has described a very similar epidemic among swine, which frequently prevails in one or the other of the arrondissements of the south of France. He describes it as highly inflammatory, rapidly going on to gangrene, and exceedingly contagious, but is at a loss to what cause to attribute it.
The precursory symptoms are, according to him, restlessness, cough, loss of appetite, dullness, and a weak tottering gait. These gradually go on increasing in intensity until the seventh or eighth day, when they have become very marked. Then alternations of heat and coldness of the body come on; the ears droop and are cold, the head is heavy, and the tongue becomes discolored; the breath is fetid, and there is a copious discharge of mucus from the nostrils. The skin is tinged with red, but the hue is not very evident excepting under the belly: the animal appears to be in great suffering, and cries out pitifully. This general inflammation of the integuments rapidly goes on to gangrene, which alteration is evidenced by the livid violet hue of the diseased surfaces. Death then rapidly follows.
He, too, prescribes bleeding, and from the ears and veins of the belly, while many authors condemn it as debilitating. The only thing he recommends besides, is thin oatmeal gruel, acidulated with white-wine vinegar; for he appears to consider the malady to be so fatal that medical treatment avails nothing against it. Here, however, we cannot but deem him wrong; many of the most virulent, and, if neglected, fatal of the diseases to which our domesticated animals are subject, will yield to the influence of a judicious course of treatment, and many a valuable animal has been saved by the skill and attention of a veterinary surgeon. We should recommend laxative drenches, stimulating frictions, warmth, and cleanliness, and a seton in the chest.
In the epidemic which prevailed in 1841, throughout the greater part of England, swine were affected, as well as horses, cattle, and sheep, and often took it before any of the rest of the stock, but in general had it more mildly. This malady was of a highly contagious, inflammatory character, and affected chiefly the mucous and secretory tissues. When once it entered a farm-yard, it spread rapidly, until every ox, sheep, or pig was infected, and in some instances it passed to the human being. Damp, wet weather appeared most favorable to its development; and, from all accounts, it seems to have arisen from some atmospheric agency.
Symptoms.—Lameness of one or more of the feet, accompanied with heat around the hoof and lower part of the leg; discharge of saliva from the mouth and nostrils; champing or grinding of the lower jaw; ulceration of the mouth and tongue, extending even to the snout; dullness, inappetency, constipation, rapid emaciation, and cough.
Treatment.—The ulcerated portions of the feet and the detached pieces of horn should be carefully pared, and the parts daily washed with a solution of blue vitriol, or smeared with warm tar; the mouths also dressed with a strong solution of alum; and from an ounce and a half to two ounces of Glauber salts, dissolved in water, and given in their food. Where the malady was attacked in its onset, these simple remedies sufficed to produce convalescence in from fourteen to one-and-twenty days.
Post-mortem appearances.—There were patches of inflammation throughout the whole of the intestines, both externally and internally; the liver was sound; the heart flabby and soft; the lungs shrivelled, flattened, and diminished to one half their natural size, and in some cases hepatized; the diaphragm, pleura, and bronchial tubes of a greenish hue, and evidently gangrenous.
The flesh of pigs that had died of this epidemic was eaten by some persons without their suffering any ill effects; nevertheless the experiment was hazardous.