LESIONS IN THE SKIN 129 



thin and thinly covered with hair, and, accordingly, has a tendency 

 to quickly show the presence of any abnormal discoloration. 

 Either hyperemic or hemorrhagic lesions may be found in this 

 location early in the disease. 



(4) The Flanks. — Here, too, the skin of the animal is compara- 

 tively thin, and offers a good surface for the appearance of the 

 skin lesions of cholera. By drawing the hind legs backward and 

 outward the skin is placed more on the stretch, and the changes be- 

 come more readily visible to the naked eye. 



(5) Snout and Muzzle. — These are also favorite sites for the red- 

 dened skin lesions of cholera, and here, as in the case of the ears, 

 there is usually considerable swelling accompanying the discolora- 

 tion of the skin. 



(6) Under Surface of Belly. — In a well-marked case of cholera 

 there is usually a considerable amount of discoloration of the skin 

 along the under surface of the belly. This may take the form of 

 reddish spots, sprinkled here and there along the belly, or there 

 may be a diffuse redness, involving practically the entire surface 

 of the skin. 



(7) Lateral Surfaces and Back. — These are among the last loca- 

 tions to show the skin discolorations, due to the fact that the skin 

 in these regions is much heavier, the amount of fat more pronounced, 

 and the blood-supply less marked. In many cases, however, the 

 skin of the back and the sides of the carcass, as well as that of the 

 ears, axilla, flanks, and belly, is liberally sprinkled with reddish 

 spots of discoloration, which here, as in the other regions, may be 

 either of the hyperemic or hemorrhagic type. 



In this connection it may be stated that the skin lesions of 

 cholera are, of course, more difficult to make out in the carcass 

 with the hair on than in those carcasses which are inspected in the 

 packing houses after the hair has been removed by the scalding 

 process. It is not practical, however, in making the regular rou- 

 tine postmortem to have the dead bodies scalded and the hair re- 

 moved. White hogs show skin changes much more pronounced 

 than black breeds. 



In connection with discoloration of the skin it must not be for- 

 gotten that there are many other possible causes for reddening of 

 the skin besides cholera. For instance, there may be a number 



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