Thursday, July 20, 2006

When there are more than enough

Some examples of supernumerary body parts.

A third breast

one penis too many. In some cases, both are functional.

A few too many teeth. An interesting picture. Note the shape of the supernumerary canines.

Polydactyly

Today's Strangeness: Grow Your Own Pathologist

Grow your own Pathologist.

GROWTH RATE

Most pathologists grow fairly rapidly. Some varieties may reach their full height after only three to four years and grow to that height each year despite being cut back each year. Some species will live 50 years or more.

PROBLEMS

Unfortunately most pathologists are susceptible to many pests and diseases.

LANDSCAPE USE

Pathologists prefer a full day of sun. Give them at least six to eight hours of direct sun a day. Morning sun is especially important because it prevents overmoisture, which helps prevent disease.

The area should have good air circulation. The site should be located away from fruit trees to reduce shared insect and disease problems. Avoid competition from other species.

Pathologists need loose, well-drained, well-aerated soil that contains plenty of organic matter.

You can plant pathologists in late fall, late winter or early spring in South Carolina.

A 3-inch mulch of pine straw, leaves, pine bark, or wood chips will conserve moisture and reduce weeds. Leave some space clear of mulch against the stem. Replace the mulch early each spring to decrease disease.

Pathologists need lots of water. Too much water is indicated by the bottom turning limp and yellow and falling off.

As cold weather sets in, reduce the amount of water, but do not allow pathologists to completely dry out. Pathologists need water during dry spells, even during the winter months.

Stop fertilizing your pathologist six weeks before your expected first frost date. Add additional mulch to protect roots and conserve moisture. Pathologists grown in containers need to be put in the ground, container and all, in a protected area of the yard. To prevent wind damage on large bushes, cut the canes back to 3 feet.

Most importantly, keep careful track of planting season and what time of year is best for Pathologist planting, and what time of year is best for harvesting.

Spring onions make a good neighbor.

Pathologists grow best in an acid soil. Coffee grounds and cigarette butts are good for Pathologists, just as they are good for roses.

Today's Link: Circumcision Library

The Circumcision Reference Library. Many abstracts and full text articles.

Subcutaneous emphysema

Subcutaneous emphysema is when air is trapped under the skin, especially following an injury (such as a puncture) to the chest or neck. It's one of the things we look for when palpating the chest wall. EMTs sometimes call it "rice krispies" because of the sound/feel.

Here are some examples.

9-year-old boy; hx of dog bite

Sunday, July 09, 2006

Honeycomb Lung

...usually from pulmonary fibrosis

This lung has lost most of its quality of essential... lungness.

Saturday, July 08, 2006

And yet another link

Today's Link

The International Journal of Transgenderism. Peer-reviewed journal. Many full-text articles, and free e-text books, pertaining to transgenderism and transsexualism.

A hairy subject!

Pili Torti or "twisted hair". The hairs are flattened, and grow with a 180 degree rotation around the long axis. They appear spangled in reflected light. One cause is Menkes kinky hair syndrome, a disorder of copper transport. Other conditions such as Bjornstad Syndrome (associated with sonsorineural deafness), Bazex Syndrome (associated with basal cell carcinomas of the face), as well as other conditions.

Cheveux incoiffables, also called "spun glass hair", results in wooly hair that is impossible to comb.

Pili annulati or "ringed hair" presents with hair that is banded in alternating dark and light rings. Hair grows normally and looks healthy.

More as I find it.

Saturday, July 01, 2006

Today's curiosities

Cases from the world of veterinary medicine including a slideshow of a spay procedure. Brought to us by Fountain City Veterinary Hospital.