Phillipsburg herald. [volume] (Phillipsburg, Kan.) 1882-1905, 1884-10-30

- ulCEOBCOpicdl parasite ClaGSeQ with the
bacteria. These parasites are very tena-
cious Of life, and are rapidly reproduced
under favorable circumstances, and may
be said 70 infest the entire animal econ
my Of the diseased hog.
MEANS BY WHICH IT IS SPREAD.
In the outbreaks investigated the dis
ease could be traced to the introduction
Of hogs from the East. 1t may be &C,
cepted as fact that to bring hogs into
this State through stock yards, or in cars
used indiscriminately in the transport of
hogs, is certain TO bring the cholera.
When once introduced its spread is rem
dered comparatively easy, for the germ
is carried In the body Of the infected an
NAL, in all Of its excrements, such as the
dung, urine, saliva, mucous discharges,
and expired air; and by means Of the
dead bodies floating down streams,
Washlngs from hog yards carried by
rains across other yards or into creeks
and rivers on which other hogs are kept,
by rats or other Vermin, by cars, boats,
the air, and by the clothing of persons
who come in contact with the disease.
SYMPTOMS.
The vomiting or diarrhea Of one or
more Of the animals is the first thing to
attract attention in an outbreak of the
disease. These animals, it will be OBJ
served, are off their feed, present a de-
jected appearance, with dropping ears,
low hanging head, dull eyes which are
Over-sensitiVe to light, an arched back,
weak gait, rough, scaly-lOOking skin, rap
Id breathing, ana a desire to hide be-
meath the bedding or in some dark cor
per. A careful examination will show
that the temperature of the sick has
raised from about I0I0 T. to from 1889 to
1902; IN rare cases it may rise to 1882 or
11Oo. Usually, a short time before
death, the temperature falls below the
normal. The breathing Is rapid and Oft
en- accompanied by a grunt or moan.
The belly is tender to pressure, and the
softer portions Of skin between the legs,
under the body and behind the ears, are
covered with small red spots, which be-
come larger and pUrplish- black as death
approaches. The skin usually has a dry,
wrinkled, paIchment-like feel; but in the
commencement Of the disease it is not
unusual to find spots covered with a
dark unctious substance, giving the skin
a greasy feel. AS the disease progresses,
large patches Of the outer layer of the
skin scale OFT The snOut is dry, hot
and feVerish; the tongue furred; the
pulse very rapid, and a discharge Of
thlcklsh mucous from the nOstrils often
takes place. In some cases a frequent
cough is heard. In many instances the
patient is cOnstipated In the beginning
Of the disease, but has diarrhea before
death. The discharges from the bowels
are of a blacklist color during constipa-
ton, but grayish green, or a mixture
of yellow and slate, when diarrhea sets
IN. All discharges have a most offensive
smell and are often streaked with blood
At times the sick have a strong inclina-
ton to eat all kinds Of filth, such as ma
nure, urine, etc.
PERIOD OF INCUBATION.
The period which viii elapse from
the time Of exposure until the develop
ment of the disease may be seen, varies
with the seasons. In warm Summer or
Autumn weather, only from three to six
days elapse; wilhelm cold Winter weather
the period is longer, usually from six to
fifteen days.
MORTALITY.
The proportional losses are greater
among the younger animals. If pigs not
more than three months old are attack
ed, the losses will run from 80 to 100 per
cent, IN siX-mOnths- old pigs, the mortal
1ty Is usually from 75tO 50 per cent.
while in full-grown hogs the loss is gen
orally from 40 to so per cent; but under
exceptionally favorable circumstances
may fall as low as % per cent. Death
may take place early in the disease, often
during the first twenty-four hours In
malady is not usually SO rapidly fatal
and the patient may live along for two
or three weeks. Even if the animal re-
covers he is Of little value, for he does
not thrive, and generally it costs more to
fatten him than he is worth.
POsT-MORTEM APPEARANCES.
In most cases the lungs are congested
or hardened from utilization, so that
the diseased portions are heavier than
water, and will not float. The bronchial
tubes and Windpipe contain a frothy
mucous. The cavity of the chest often
contains a quantity of reddish fluid
dropsy. The abdominal cavity is but
rarely affected. Occasionally the heart
sack contains considerable fluid, and the
membrane lining the heart cavities is
spotted. The small bowels are usually
more or less discolOred, and sometimes
present on the inner membrane small
ulcers The large bowels are always the
seat of marked changes. Large dark
spots and patches cover the lining mem
brane, which IN many places is marked
by deep ulcers. The purple patches OF
the skin are dark and bloody when cut
into. Decomposition + the dead soon
sets In.
TREATBIETN.
If it is desired to save a sick animal
that is valuable for breeding purposes. it
should be placed in a clean, dry pen,
with plenty of fresh air, clean wholesome
food, and clear cold water. If constipa-
ton IS present, give from one to three
tablespOOnfuls Of castor oil in warm milk,
and warm water injections. Follow the
physic with five to ten drop doses of car
bolic acid in a half-pint OF milk, two or
three times a day If diarrhoea is pres
ent, give ten to twenty grains Of sulphate
of iron, night and morning, with q tea
spoonful of charcoal. If the passages
are streaked with blood, give ten to
twenty drops Of oil of turpentine, twice
day, in milk. Clean the pens where