[The lymph vessel system of fallow deer (Dama dama L. 1758)]

In the present study the main lymph vessels of important lymph centres of fallow deer are described in detail and represented radiologically. The lymph flow from the periphery (Ear conch, distal extremity) to the entry into the venous angle is proved by means of simultaneous indirect lymphography (SIL). The vasa afferentia do not lead from the lateral ear conch to the NI. parotideus, as usually described with domestic animals, but run dorsally along the cervical vertebra to the NI. cervicalis superficialis. Therefore the Truncus jugularis does not drain the entire head. Furthermore, in view of the findings obtained with fallow deer, the general formation of a superficial and a deep lymphatic system in the distal zones of the extremities is questionable at least as far as domestic ruminants of comparable size are concerned.