322 SWJNE PRACTICE 



diameter to irregular masses from one to three inches in diameter. 

 There may be only a few centers, but usually there are many ; in some 

 instances so numerous are they that it is difficult to identify any nor- 

 mal splenic tissue. The non-encapsulated lesions are dirty-white cen- 

 ters and give the appearance of having been painted in the splenic 

 tissue. 



Symptoms are indistinct, and treatment cannot be applied. 



V.\G1NAL VUIjVAR AND PREPUTIAL NECROSIS 



Necrotic vaginitis and vulvitis occur, but are not prevalent. Infec- 

 tion probably gains entrance through abrasions produced at the time 

 of parturition or copulation, or, more rarely, by means of accidental 

 traumatic wounds. The lesions consist of tumefaction, redness, and 

 sensitiveness, followed by necrosis. The necrotic tissue may become 

 desiccated and slough, or it may be converted into a mushy mass. The 

 erosion of the vulva may destroy the vulvar tissue and even the anal 

 tissue. Dense masses of fibrous tissue usually develop in the peri- 

 necrotic zone, which later cicatrize and produce various distortions 

 of the vulvo-anal structures. 



Infection of the prepuce may gain entrance through abrasions pro- 

 duced by inflammation that has resulted from irritation from urine, 

 screw worms, or similar causes. Infection may also be favored by 

 traumatic injuries of various kinds. The lesions are of the same gen- 

 eral nature as those observed in vulvitis. The prepuce occasionally 

 becomes entirely destroyed, and sometimes the penis becomes involved. 



The vulvar and preputial lesions sometimes interfere with, and even 

 inhibit urination, resulting in retention of urine. In such cases in 

 the male the sheath may become enormously distended with urine. 



Treatment. — Treatment is confined to the lo^^al application of som? 

 penetrating disinfectant. Those lesions that become necrotic are 

 removed in order that the disinfectant may have free access to the 

 invaded tissue. Adhesions and other conditions that obstruct the 

 urine should be corrected, at least temporarily, in order that the urine 

 may be voided and thus uremic poisoning prevented. 



NECROTIC DERMATITIS 



Necrotic dermatitis, aside from the type affecting the lips, vulva, 

 and prepuce, is sometimes encountered. It is of most frequent occur- 

 rence in young pigs, and aifects any portion of the body. Infection 



