Effect of Subdermal Pressure on the Skin and Its Appendages in the Sheep

Abstract

A method was devised by means of which pressure in an outward direction could be exerted on the undersurface of the skin. In each of two sheep (one black, one white) a Perspex disk was inserted subdermally and connected by means of a pin projecting through the skin to a spring supported on a light tower on the animal's back. The device was well tolerated and a pedicle of skin was formed during a period of some months. Macroscopically, there was no change in the skin or wool which showed normal growth, colour, and crimping. No obvious shedding of the fibres occurred.