Cause.—Hereditary tendencies predisposes them to rupture; pigs having large Inguinal Canals through which the testicle passes; by pigs being crowded, injured, squeezed at troughs, or passing through narrow doorways. Weakness and severe straining from constipation also produce rupture.
Symptoms.—An enlargement of the sack containing the testicles. Sometimes there may be a strangulation of the intestines where they fold or twist. They become inflamed and produce death. The pig dies in great pain, but fortunately, strangulated ruptures in pigs are very rare, as the scrotum and canal which the intestines occupy relax and become very roomy.
Treatment.—Operation is the only method of relieving or curing Inguinal or Scrotal Rupture. My advice is to operate as soon as possible. When the pigs are small, there is less danger. The pig to be operated on should be fasted for at least twenty-four hours, as it is easier on both the operator and the pig when the intestines are empty, or nearly so.
The operation which I have found to be very successful is as follows: Have an assistant hold the pig up by its hind legs. Prepare an antiseptic solution of Carbolic Acid five per cent, or Bichloride of Mercury, one in one-thousandths, in a pan. Have a needle threaded with a medium sized absorbent silk or cat-gut suture. Prepare a clean, sharp knife; wash the seat of operation with either antiseptic solution. Now, proceed to locate the testicle by having the hind parts elevated. The intestines must be pressed back into the abdominal cavity. The testicle will remain in the sack or scrotum; now grasp the testicle between the fingers and make the incision through the scrotum and to the lower portion. It may be necessary to insert two fingers to withdraw the testicle. When the testicle is located, withdraw it. Before cutting it off it is well to run a needle containing a thread through the last covering of the testicle so as to prevent the membrane from returning. After this is securely done, remove the testicle and sew the inner membranes that envelop the rupture and testicle with what is called a “tobacco pouch suture.” Draw it together firmly and tie and cut off suture about one-half inch from the knot. Your operation is now complete. Do not sew the outer incision in the scrotum, as it would have a tendency to accumulate dirt and hold pus. It should have a free drainage. Wash with one of the above mentioned antiseptics twice daily until thoroughly healed. Also feed laxative foods that are easily digested.
SORE FEET.
Cause.—Filth, especially common in large hogs when confined to hard floors or driven over rough, hard roads, or continually kept in filthy pens. The tissues of the feet become softened, especially those between the claws. Irritation is set up by germs entering the abrasions.
Symptoms.—The hogs will be noticed going very lame and if closely examined the above named conditions will be found.
Treatment.—Remove the hogs to clean, dry pens containing plenty of clean bedding, and wash the affected parts with some good disinfectant, as five per cent solution of Carbolic Acid. Repeat this treatment at least once a day. In case the feet are badly inflamed, I would advise the application of hot Flaxseed Meal poultices to the feet. Feed easily digested food, as it aids materially in the treatment of infectious wounds.
SORE MOUTH.
Cause.—Decomposed foods. Also slops or stagnant water, washing powders, broken glassware, etc., from the tables, fed in slops, barley or wheat beards, etc.