714 ACTINOMYCOSIS OF THE UDDER. 



(8.) ACTINOMYCOSIS OF THE UDDER. 



This disease occurs in cows and. much more frequently, in sows, 

 but, owing to the peculiar mode of attack, is in the latter seldom 

 diagnosed. 



Actinomycosis appears in two forms. In one, hard swellings 

 develop, consisting of a fibrous exterior and a central abscess-cavity 

 studded with granulations ; in the other, the little actinomycotic 

 growths are found distributed through firm but apparently normal 

 gland tissue. Both forms appear in the animals mentioned. The 

 last form, however, sometimes goes on to the formation in the diseased 

 tract of extensive abscesses, containing thin fluid pus and numerous 

 masses of the actinomyces. 



The cause is the presence of the above-mentioned fungi. Their 

 exact mode of entry is unknown, but that they may grow if introduced 

 into the milk duct has been shown by Johne, who experimentally 

 injected cultures. 



The clinical appearances consist in slow enlargement of the 

 udder, which shows either discrete hard swellings or a diffuse, hard, 

 slightly nodulated enlargement. Sometimes the abscesses break 

 externally and are succeeded by fungating masses of granulation 

 tissue, or by fistula?, or, again, by cicatricial depressions on the surface 

 of the gland. 



Diagnosis is at first difficult. The disease is distinguished from 

 tuberculosis by the normal condition of the supramammary lymphatic 

 glands. Discovery of the specific fungi confirms the diagnosis. 



The prognosis is unfavourable to the continuance of the milk 

 supply, as the gland gradually undergoes atrophy. Sucking pigs 

 sometimes die in consequence of the sow being unable to supply 

 proper nourishment. 



Treatment is often uncalled for, as the disease makes slow progress 

 and the animals can be fattened. The use of potassium iodide in 

 mammary actinomycosis has not yet been properly tested. As a 

 rule, the animals should be prepared for slaughter. 



(9.) BOTRYOMYCOSIS OF THE UDDER. 



Botryomycosis is commonest in the mare, though it has also 

 been seen in cows. The udder becomes converted into an indurated 

 mass of connective tissue strewn with hard, botryoid nodules con- 

 taining pus, in which are found the specific fungi. 



Clinically the disease appears as a chronic, gradually-extending 



