CHAPTER XXXI 



OPERATIONS AND MINOR AILMENTS 



Even with the best of care, pigs will require some 

 veterinary attention, but because of the relatively low 

 value per head in comparison with the fee, one hesitates 

 to call the veterinarian. The ability to handle the more 

 common work of this nature determines largely the suc- 

 cess of the pig-man ; in fact, these apparently small jobs 

 form no inconsiderable portion of his duties. 



WOUNDS AND ULCERS 



Not infrequently lumps or ulcers are seen on the various 

 parts of the hog's body. These are usually due to abra- 

 sions in the skin which may have healed up on the surface, 

 leaving only a white scar. Such abrasions are usually 

 caused by nail pricks and by contact with sharp points on 

 fences, usually at corners or passageways, and the pig- 

 man should be constantly on the alert in removing such 

 sources of troubles. Pus-forming germs gain access to 

 the system through the abrasions and may cause pus 

 pockets in the pig's flesh to considerable depth. As the 

 abrasion heals very quickly, no point of discharge for the 

 pus is open until the tissues become sufficiently soft to 

 break of themselves, or until an incision is made by the 

 operator. Such ulcers, if noted very soon after they form, 

 may be treated by simply washing them with a disin- 



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