Description: | From the “Illustrated Manual for the Recognition and Diagnosis of Certain Animal Diseases”, published in 1982, by the Mexico-United States Commission for the Prevention of Foot and Mouth Disease, this photograph depicts a domesticated pig ill with a case of hog cholera (HC). In this particular view, the animal was exhibiting neurological signs of disease in the form of running movements, while lying on its side. “Clinical signs usually appear 5-10 days after infection. Prior to the appearance of other signs, a high temperature is usual (40.5 – 41.5oC). Other early signs include constipation, followed by diarrhea and vomiting. Later, a diffuse hyperemia and purplish discoloration of the abdominal skin occurs. Small areas of necrosis are sometimes seen on the edges of the ears, tail, lips, and vulva. A degree of conjunctivitis is usual, at times shutting the eyelids due to purulent exudates. Nervous signs are often observed including circling, incoordination, muscle tremors and convulsions are the commonest manifestations. Death usually occurs 7 – 15 days after the onset of illness.” |