6ENEKA], SWINE MANAGEMKNT 



THli srB.JECT FOR AUTOl'SV 



Cadavers are usually rn-ailahle for antop.sy pur]_)oses, particularly 

 when an infective disease exists in a herd of hogs. A cadaver 

 selected for autopsy purposes should have been dead only a very 

 short time. A live animal showing marked symptoms is preferable 

 to a cadaver for autopsy purposes, particularly for the verification 

 of a diagnosis. When a living animal is selected for an autopsy 

 the method of destruction must be such that the lesions will not ))e 

 materially changed. Most infective diseases are of an inflammatory 

 nature, consequently the lesions contain excessive quantities of blood. 

 If one is desirous of having the lesions in such cases stand out promi- 

 nently, the animal should not be destroyed by bleeding. There is, 

 however, sufficient blood retained in such lesions that they can readily 

 be indentified even after the animal has been destroyed by bleeding, 

 and unless there is some special reason such eases may be destroyed 

 by bleeding. Cases in which the brain is to be examined should not 

 be destroyed by shooting in the brain or crushing the skull by a 

 blunt object. 



In making medico-legal examinations, it is advisable to have wit- 

 nesses, and wlien possible organs or parts showing characteristic 

 lesions should be saved. 



Postmortem examinations should be made in daylight, excepting 

 in extraordinary cases. The cadaver should be placed so that the 

 operator can perform the autopsy conveniently. 



EQUIPMENT 



Proper clothing should be provided. Obstetrical rubberoid suits, 

 or suits made of some other similar material, will be found con- 

 venient and efficient. The shoes should also be protected or sub- 

 stituted by rubber boots or special apparel. Some prefer to wear 

 rubber gloves and thus protect the hands. All clothing required 

 should be kept in an autopsy case, and should not be used for other 

 purposes. 



Innumerable instruments are recommended for an autopsy kit. 

 The instruments selected will necessarily be determined by each 

 individual's preference. Instruments should be selected that are 

 of use and can be sterilized. Two or three knives, one relatively 

 large, a saw or cleaver, some forceps, blunt and sharp-pointed scis- 

 sors and needles are required, and several other instruments may 



