TUMORS OF THE MAMMARY GLANDS 317 



In the chronic form the glands become indurated and the 

 milk canals obliterated. The gland tissue becomes fibroid 

 in character. 



Prognosis. The prognosis is favorable in animals other 

 than the cat. When general symptoms are present the 

 prognosis should be guarded. 



Treatment. The milk is removed, and the glands 

 thoroughly massaged to remove as much of the infective 

 material as possible. Hot antiseptic packs or fomentations 

 of hot antiseptic solutions should be applied. These should 

 be changed every few hours if feasible. Avoid coal-tar 

 products in cats. 



Should abscesses develop in the glands they are incised to 

 give free drainage. Follow with antiseptics. Small doses of 

 castor oil, or magnesium sulphate are indicated to assist in 

 the elimination of toxins. In chronic mammitis with 

 fibrosis which may also involve the teat, it is best to remove 

 the gland. An anesthetic should be given, and the animal 

 placed on the table in the dorsal position. The hair is 

 shaved from around the gland and the skin thoroughly 

 disinfected. The gland is then dissected out, which is not 

 difficult, and the vessels ligated. The skin should be trimmed 

 so that the edges approximate accurately. A regular bitch 

 bandage is applied to protect the wound. Recovery is 

 prompt. 



TUMORS OF THE MAMMARY GLANDS. 



Neoplasia of the mammary glands is of frequent occur- 

 rence in bitches. Both benign and malignant types are met 

 with in practice. 



Benign Tumors. Fibromata. A very common form of 

 benign tumor found in the mammary gland of bitches. It 

 consists of fibrous tissue elements proliferating around and 

 into the glandular acini, isolating portions of the gland cells. 

 Their development is slow but progressive, ultimately 

 involving the entire gland. The tumor may appear as a 

 pure fibroma or be mixed with other varieties. 



