ABLATION OF THE MAMM/E. 



771 



forced dilatation by means of the conical tubes shown (Fig. 327) has 

 been generally substituted for it. Three instruments of varying thick- 

 ness are usually sufficient. Forced dilatation may be effected at a 

 single oi)eration, and has not the drawback of causing cicatrices. 



I I 



Fig. 326. 



Fig. 327. 



ABLATION OF THE MAMM^. 



Ablation of the mammae is rather frequently necessary, principally 

 in cases of gangrenous mammitis, of prolonged, continuous suppura- 

 tion, or of grave mammitis, where death would otherwise follo\v. 



Provided the anatomical structure of the parts is known (Fig, 287) 

 ablation does not present any insuperable difficulty. 



In the cow, either two lateral quarters or the entire udder must 

 be removed. The lines of incision through the skin should fiist of 

 all be traced. 



One half of the udder may be removed by the following method : 



First stage. ElUptical incision through the skin, including the 

 tw^o teats of one side. 



The lines of incision should extend backwards sufficiently high to 

 enable the vessels at the base of the gland to be easily ligatured. 



Second stage. Dissection and breaking down of the subcutaneous 

 and intermammary connective tissue. The anterior mammary vein 

 must be ligatured. 



Third stage. Isolation of the mamma from the front backwards, 

 and ligature of the vessels of supply. Extirpation. 



3 D 2 



