76 SWINE PRACTICE 



dry atmosphere. The lesions of the acute type consist of small 

 crevices which in extreme cases may bleed freely. In the chronic 

 type the cracks and crevices become more extensive and the sur- 

 rounding tissues are infiltrated with varying quantities of newly 

 formed fibrous tissue. Catarrhal cheilitis, either acute or chronic, 

 is not a serious condition and is usually corrected when the cause 

 is removed. The irritated infected areas of the lips should be thor- 

 oughly cleaned with a lukewarm 1 per cent solution of salt, aftei' 

 which it is advisable to apply some antise^jtic. 



Suppurative cheilitis is occasionally observed. It is usually the 

 result of infection of the subsurface labial tissues with pyogenic 

 bacteria. The usual form of this type of cheilitis is circumscribed, 

 and the lesions are similar to the lesions observed in the usual abscess 

 formation. This condition is relieved by operation. The small ab- 

 scesses should be opened freely with a sharp-pointed bistoury and 

 the pus removed, after which the wound should be painted with 

 tincture of iodin. 



Necrotic cheilitis is very pre^'alent in some sections of the United 

 States, particularly in young pigs. The usual caiisative agent is 

 the Bacillus necrophorus. This microorganism produces a variety 

 of lesions and is of so great economic importance that all of the dis- 

 ease processes resulting from it will be discussed under the topic, 

 ' ' Necrobacillosis. ' ' 



Vesicular cheilitis has been reported as occurring in suckling jiigs. 

 This condition is probably caused by a yeast, the o'idium albicans. 

 The lesions of vesicular cheilitis are practically confined to the 

 mucous surfaces of the lips. The mucous membrane is tumefied 

 and scarlet red in color, and in the beginning and later small, 

 sharply circumscribed vesicles appear and the mucosa becomes white, 

 due to the accumulated desquamated epithelium and mucus. Th? 

 vesicles rupture and the vesicular membrane may slough, leaving a 

 denuded surface, or the vesicular membrane may collapse after the 

 discharge of its contents and appear as a small, white mass upon tii'' 

 mucous membrane. This condition is usually not serious, although 

 it may cause considerable inconvenience in sucking. It is usually 

 relieved by the topical application of properly selected antiseptics. 



TUMORS 



Labial tumors are not of common occurrence in swine, although 

 f broma, myxrma, and epithelioma have been observed. 



