=TUMORS.=--Abnormal growths of tissues. There are many kinds of tumors. They are named from the kind of tissue of which they are composed, as fibrous and fatty. Just why tumors should develop is not known. Treatment is in the direction of direct removal; this means they are to be cut out with a knife. Another method is to tie a strong cord around the stem of the tumor, thus shutting off the blood supply. As soon as this is effected, there will be a sloughing away, with a sore remaining, which is to be treated as in an ordinary wound. Some tumors are burnt off with caustics. Arsenic or corrosive sublimate are commonly used, either singularly or combined. Better consult a veterinarian about the removal of tumors on valuable animals.
=TUMORS IN PIGS AFTER CASTRATION.=--Bunches form on the cords of pigs after castration as a result of infection from dirty instruments or hands during the operation; or from leaving the cord too long, thus increasing the liability of its becoming infected. These tumors continue to grow, and in the worst cases attain the size of a man’s head. Cut down on a tumor the same as in a simple case of castration. Separate the skin from the tumor and then swallow up the cord with the hands. Cut the cord off as high up as possible. The wound may be healed by the use of any of the common disinfectants. A teaspoonful of carbolic acid in a quart of water may be used once daily until the pigs are healed. Pigs should be kept in a clean pen after the operation.
=WARBLES.=--These are lumps in the skin of cattle, caused by grubs or warbles. A simple treatment is to cut the skin and squeeze out the grubs where the lumps are noticed. If all the grubs are killed in this way, there will be no mature flies to cause trouble later on. See article on Bot Flies.
=WARTS.=--The cause of these little tumors of the skin is not definitely known. They occur on all domestic animals, appearing most frequently on horses and cattle. Pure acetic acid, dropped on the wart until it is saturated and softened, destroys in the early stages. Warts about which a small cord may be tied are most easily treated in that way. After they have sloughed off, apply a little terchloride of antimony with a feather or cotton. When the scab forms, remove it and apply the chemical again. With a couple of applications the spot will be lower than the surrounding skin. Now use an ointment, made of 4 tablespoonfuls of oxide of zinc and 8 tablespoonfuls of lard. Apply this daily until the sore spot is healed. Sometimes a form of warts suddenly appears on colts and calves and scatter themselves about the lips, nose and face. They are common and appear and disappear suddenly. No treatment is necessary.
