FIBROUS TUMOURS. 413 



The tumours are composed of white fibrous tissue, blended 

 with some yellow elastic fibres, closely resembling those of 

 areolar tissue. These fibres vary in their different stages of 

 development, and are interlaced together, forming very compact 

 and solid masses. At first the tumours are quite unattached 

 to the skin, but as they grow they burst through and become 

 attached to it ; and from their points of attachment prolonga- 

 tions, in the form of fungoid granulations, rapidly grow from 

 the surface. Their favourite seat is the subcutaneous areolar 

 tissue of the inferior surface of the abdomen, where they are 

 generally found associated with the epidermic wart. When the 

 skin is cut through, it is often discovered that a large number 

 of them, in a nest of condensed fibrous tissue, on which 

 numerous blood-vessels ramify, are lodged in the areolar tissue 

 of this part. They are then easily pressed out by the hand, 

 and this is the best method of removing them, the sac being 

 afterwards dressed with some astringent, such as a solution of 

 sulphate of copper. They are also found in the uterus, more 

 especially of the bitch, where they sometimes contain a fluid in 

 their centre. 



Polypi belong to the fibrous tumours, consisting of tissue 

 similar to that of the last-named form. The tumour sketched 

 in Photo-lithograph, Plate IV., is an example of a very large 

 nasal polypus. 



A polypus may be defined to be a tumour attached by means 

 of a narrow pedicle, and the most familiar example is the 

 nasal polypus attached to the superior part of the nostril ; of a 

 softish consistence ; bleeding when injured ; often containing 

 a thin limpid fluid in its centre ; growing downwards, filling 

 the cavity of the nostril, causing much uneasiness to the animal, 

 and interfering very materially with the respiratory function. 



There is a discharge from the affected nostril, often tinged 

 with blood, especially during exercise or work. The animal 

 makes a snufiling sound in its breathing, and frequently sneezes. 

 The tumour cannot always be seen, but by growth becomes 

 visible to the examiner. Sometimes it grows in the contrary 

 direction, falls into the isthmus faucis, and is apt to become 

 temporarily lodged in the larynx, causing the animal to breathe 

 with the greatest difficulty, with a loud roaring sound, and 

 often to fall down from exhaustion and want of breath. V>y 



