Des Moines courier. ([Ottumwa] Iowa) 1848-1854, 1849-12-07
Diseases or swine.

Diseases OF Swine.
Notifying as the fact may be to hui
man pride it is nevertheless certain, that
the viscera, digestive organs, omniverous
proponsi!cs, and the general physiologic-
al structure Of the hog and the bear,
more nearly resemble man, than any
other animal. Many Of their diseases
therefore are expected to be modifica-
ton of those Of the human species, and
require similar treatment. Swine are
peculiarly liable TO pulmonary affections.
colds, coughs and measles, and, as with
most other evils, prevention of disease
in swim, is more easy and economical
than cure. A dry warm bed, free from
winds or storms, and suitable food will
most enectuaily prevent any injuries, or
fatal attacks. The hog has little exter-
nal covering to protect him against cold.
Nature has provided this Immediately
within the skin, in the deep layer OF fat
which surrounds the full plump hog
Fat is one Of the best non-conductors Of
heat, and the pig which is well-fed bids
defiance to the intense cold, which would
produce great suffering, and consequent
disease in the ill-conditioned animal. L.
By the observance of proper medium
between too much fat or lean for the
store of breeding swine, and providing
them with comfortable beds and proper
feed nearly all diseases will be avoided.
For Coughs and inflammation of the
Lungs, bleeding should Immediately be
resorted to after which give gentle pur-
ges of sulphur, castor oil, or Epson
salts; and this should be followed by a
dose of antimonill powders-2 gr,ias
mixed with half drachm of nitre. 81
For CostiUeness or loss of appetite,
sulphur is an excellent remedy, given
in light mess. ....# .
Itch may be cured by amounting with
equal parts of lard and birthstone. Rub
bing-posts should Arrays be erected in
pens. -#
The Kidney form is frequently IA
tai; and always produces weakness oil
the Ioins and hind legs, usually follow
ed by entire prostration. A pig thus far
gone, is hardly worth the trouble of re-
covering, even where practicable. ta
Preuentioes are general thrift, range
in a good pasture, and dose of half a
pint of wood ashes every week or fort
night in their food. A small quantity OF
saltpetre, spirits of turpantine, or tar.
will effect the same object.
Blind S:aggers.-This is generally
confined to pigs, and manifests itself in
foaming at the mouth, rearing on the
hind legs, champing and grinding their
teeth, and apparent blindness. The
proper remedies are bleeding, purgine
freely, and these frequently fail. Many
nostrums have been suggested but few
are of any utility. 1t is i'm portant &c
keep the issues on the inside of the fore.
legs just below the knee, thoroughly
cleansed.
The tails of young pigs frequently
drop or rot-oE which is attended with
no further disadvantage to the animal
than the loss of the member. The
remedies are, to give little birthstone OIL
sulphur in the food of the dam; or rub
oil or grease daily on the affected parts
1t may be detected by a roughness OF
scabbiness at the point where separation
is likely to occur.
| Bieeding,-The most convenient mode
is from an artery just above The knee, on
the inside of the forearm. 1t may be
drawn more copiously from the roof OF
| the mouth. In slight attacks, cropping
Iha tail or ear will be sufficient. The
flow of blood may usually be stopped
by applying sponge or Goth with
cold water.
The diseases of swine though not nu'
merous, are formidable, and many o.
them soon become fatal. They have
not been the subject of particular scien-
lifc study, and most of the remedies ap-
Piled are rather the result of casual Oh
hap-hazard suggestion, than of well-di.
gested inference, from long continued
and accurate observation.