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- 
419 
