SLAUGHTER-HOUSE INSPECTION. 
541 
conditions, should reject the cow for slaughter. Sentiment ren¬ 
ders the flesh of such unappetizing, as well as the flesh of the 
unborn or recently born calf. Local regulations usually require 
the calf to be four to six weeks old, or to weigh at least seventy- 
five pounds when dressed. 
Extreme emaciation from any cause so modifies the tissues 
that the carcass does not become firm and dry in the refrigera¬ 
tor, like normal flesh, and accordingly is very deficient in nutri¬ 
tive qualities and should be rejected. 
Leucocythemia or lukemia is occasionally found on the 
slaughter beds. Enlargement of the lymphatic glands and 
spleen are the abnormalities which attract the attention of the 
inspector. In the several cases coming under my notice the 
animals were in thin flesh, presenting the appearance of general 
unthriftiness. The spleen was many times the normal size, and 
the lymphatic glands in all parts of the body were from two to 
ten times the usual diameters, cross section of which presented 
a normal appearance. In well marked cases condemnation is 
indicated. 
Non-specific inflammation of every viscus is occasionally 
found and the disposition of the carcass must be determined by the 
stage of development and extent and character of, perverted func¬ 
tional activity. It is conceded that high bodily temperature, 
long continued, impairs the quality and character of flesh, rend¬ 
ering it unappetizing, noisome and suspiciously unwholesome. 
Acute inflammation, as well as chronic structural changes of 
the kidneys are quite apt to escape notice, owing to these organs 
being imbedded in considerable fat. Any considerable interfer¬ 
ence with the renal functions soon leaves the tissues charged 
with waste products, which prevent the usual firming of the 
flesh, it remaining soft and sticky or clammy to the touch and 
gives out a loathsome urinous odor. Such flesh should be con¬ 
demned. 
Cold abscesses may be found in all parts of the animal car¬ 
cass but are most frequently found attached to a thoracic or ab¬ 
dominal viscus. There is very rarely more than one in any 
