RHEUMATISM.
Cause.—Exposure, as in cold, damp houses. Overfeeding also has a tendency to cause swellings of the joints and muscles.
Symptoms.—Lameness of one or more limbs, swelling of the joints about the legs and feet. The hog does not care to move, refusing its feed in most cases: temperature slightly elevated; breathing quick and short; he will drink water frequently if offered.
Treatment.—I am of opinion that Rheumatism in hogs would be a very rare disease if they were properly provided with clean, dry quarters, with a liberal quantity of bedding. Do not allow hogs to pile up, as it is very injurious to them.
Medical Treatment.—Consists of feeding sloppy food to which add one-half dram of Sodium Salicylate two or three times a day in their feed. Vegetables and green grass are very beneficial in this disease, as they have a cooling effect on the blood. The hog tonic and regulator recommended on first page of this chapter is very beneficial when given with food of a sloppy nature.