308 DISEASES OF CATTLE. 



NEUROFIBROMA. 



A true neuroma built up of nerve fibers and nerve cells is infre- 

 quent, if it ever occurs, in cattle. False neuromas, or neurofibromas, 

 are knotty, spreading tumors of the size of a large potato, which are 

 developed within the nerve sheaths and composed of nerve fibers and 

 connective tissue bands interlaced. The commingling of these varied 

 fibers is often so intricate that separation is practically impossible. 

 This tumor is most frequently found upon the shoulder of cattle. 

 Treatment is surgical. 



ANGIOMA. 



The angiomas are tumors composed mainly of blood vessels or 

 blood spaces and are observed on the skin of man, where they are 

 called " birthmarks " or " mother marks." Cavernous angiomas are 

 seen in cattle, affecting the liver and the mucous membrane of the 

 nasal septum. In the liver they appear as smooth, flat, nonprojecting 

 tumors of a dark-red or purple color and of about the size of a silver 

 10-cent piece. They are somewhat softer in consistency than the 

 adjoining liver substance into which they are gradually fused. 

 These tumors are frequently observed by meat inspectors in livers 

 of slaughtered cattle. Treatment of angioma is unnecessary. 



ADENOMA. 



The structure of this tumor is after the type of gland tissue. It is 

 rarely seen in cattle except in combination with cancer or sarcoma. 

 A growth which occurs more frequently in bovines, especially calves, 

 and which in some instances bears a striking resemblance to an 

 adenoma is the so-called goiter. 



GOITER (STRUMA). 



This is a noninflammatory enlargement or a hyperplasia of the thy- 

 roid gland. While it can not be definitely classed among tumors, 

 yet, owing to its resemblance to the latter, it will be discussed at this 

 time. The cause of goiter has never been definitely ascertained. 

 Among the most probable causes may be mentioned heredity, insuffi- 

 cient and improper diet, close confinement, unhygienic surroundings, 

 and an unknown toxic substance which is supposed to obtain in those 

 localities rich in magnesium and lime salts. Certain organisms found 

 in goiter have been suspected of producing this trouble, but their 

 relation to the disease has not been satisfactorily proved. A goiter 

 may consist of (1) simple enlargement of the follicles which are filled 

 with albuminous matter (follicular goiter) ; (2) an increase of con- 

 nective tissues between the follicles, causing the swelling to be dense 

 and resistant (fibrous goiter) ; (3) a great increase in size of one or 

 more follicles, forming a cyst (cystic goiter) ; (4) great dihitation of 



