SORE MOUTH OF YOUNG PIGS

New Zealand Mail, Issue 1511, 14 February 1901, Page 55

SORE MOUTH OF YOUNG PIGS

The exact cause of the trouble cannot at present be stated; the maiiher in which it spreads and its persistence in the hog pen indicate that it may be of germ origin;. This disease invariably appears in young pigs from the time of birth to a. few weeks old, and if not attended to promptly either stunts their growth permanently of they waste away and die.

The symptoms shown are as’follows : Sore mouth, swelling of the jaw&, : with white {sometimes* light hfown) scabs, wjiiicli lat-eh show d ; 4'ep :: cfaciksV :: Tho scabs and cracks are found 'em the shout, extending over the head, and even to the body and limbs; in some cases; an : ulcer will form at tho end of the snout," and eat away part of tho nose; in others cases, the ears may be affected, and drop off. There is dullness, loss of power in hind limbs, a tendency to walk, on the fetlocks, disinclination to move, the pigs ■usually standing with their backs humped, up. They either refuse to suck entirely or else do so in a half-hearted, manner. If made to walk and move, they will squeal as if in pain. To be effective, the treatment must be prompt and thorough. The young pigs must first be attended to by dipping the whole head in one of the following: solutions, being careful hot to drown the pigs:

(a) Permanganate of potash, loz, dissolved in half a gallon of water. Tine solution is practically harmless to the pigs, and may be used without any fear as to the results; or (b) Creolin or chloro-naphtholeum, loz, to half a gallon of water. .These solutions should be applied' three times, at intervals of two or three days. Before using these solutions, remove as far'as possible all dirt from; the pig’s snout, or a larger amount of the solution will have to bo -used to get good results. The sow’s, udder ehoukl also be washed with one of these solutions two or three times. , ,

Disinfection of the farrowing pens with hot lime water should also be performed, as it has been noticed, that litters farrowed in the same pen at different times have been .affected with. this' disease. —A. O. Hopkins, Instructor in. Veterinary Science, Agricultural Experiment Station, Wisconsin. .