706 TREATMENT OF MAMMITIS. 



Suppuration is common. A single deep-seated abscess or several 

 smaller abscesses may form wherever obstruction has occurred. 

 Evacuation of the pus may be effected by traction of the teat, but 

 the suppurative process destroys the function of a considerable 

 portion of the secreting tissue. Gangrene, except in neglected cases, 

 is less common. Its occurrence is preceded by marked relapse in 

 the general symptoms. The affected quarter assumes a purplish 

 colour, its integument appears blotchy and cedematous, and traction 

 of the teat produces a red, purulent, offensive fluid containing 

 particles of necrotic tissue. Sloughing of a portion of the quarter 

 or the whole of it, and even death may take place within thirty-six 

 hours of the first symptoms of gangrene, which tends to implicate 

 other parts of the udder. 



Prognosis. The prognosis of acute mammitis, interstitial or 

 parenchymatous, should always be guarded. There may be no 

 danger of a fatal result, but the value of the animal as a milk pro- 

 ducer is always greatly depreciated. In some cases the function 

 of the udder may be arrested for the whole of one lactation period ; 

 and there is a constant tendency, even in mild attacks, to chronic 

 mammitis of one or more sections of the gland. Suppuration is a 

 very serious complication, as it not only prolongs the inflammatory 

 process but also leads to the destruction of large tracts of the gland 

 tissues. In forming a prognosis attention should be paid to the 

 course of the disease ; the longer it has existed the less the chance 

 of complete recovery. 



Treatment. Though numerous measures have been proposed, 

 there is no recognised method of treatment that will certainly arrest 

 the disease and restore the inflamed gland to its normal condition. 

 At first, treatment should be of a prophylactic character. The 

 severity of acute mammitis can be greatly lessened by placing the 

 animals under proper hygienic conditions, giving special attention 

 to disinfection of the cowshed, the cleanliness of the milkers' hands, 

 and any instruments introduced through the teats ; by avoiding 

 overstocking, and by careful treatment of digestive disturbances, 

 and of wounds or excoriations of the teats and udder. 



General treatment of the patient is always required. In robust 

 animals that are highly fevered, moderate bleeding from the 

 jugular lowers the temperature and tends to mitigate respiratory 

 and circulatory complications. Bleeding from the mammary vein 

 is less effective, and owing to the risk of wound infection is not 

 advisable. In all serious cases digestion is inactive or intermittent 

 and as constipation favours auto-intoxication, the alimentary canal 



