94 HEALTH AND DISEASE 



say here that previous to the foal's birth the mammae enlarge, become 

 more dense, pendulous, and vascular; the teats undergo development, 

 enlargement, distension; the last sign of approaching parturition being 

 the formation of semi-transparent pendulous bodies which attach to their 

 orifices, and are familiarly known as the " wax ". 



At the time of parturition the udder, which, it will be remembered, is 

 divided into two sections commonly called quarters, is filled with milk 

 ready for the new-comer. Though the development be normal there is 

 increased temperature and sensibility of the mammae : a natural or physio- 

 logical engorgement as distinguished from a pathological one. There may 

 be discomfort, amounting to pain even, with the former state, and its im- 

 portance will be appreciated when it is remembered that impatient mares 

 endanger the life of the young by refusing them permission to suck; nay, 

 more, inflict fatal injuries, not infrequently, upon the foal, while exercising 

 its instinct to "bunt" an udder which does not freely yield nutriment. 

 There are great differences in the temperament of mares, a subject upon 

 which one is tempted to enlarge, but this is not the time or place; suffice 

 it to say that some will endure a good deal of pain in the interest of their 

 young, while in others, notably very young mothers, maternal affection 

 is sometimes almost entirely wanting. 



Causes. A hypewemic or congested condition of the mammae at the 

 time of parturition, or for some days previous to that act, is common, and 

 among experienced breeders and veterinarians it is a moot question whether 

 or no such congestion should not in some cases be mechanically relieved by 

 hand-milking. That the tense and painful state of the glands constitute a 

 danger to both parent and offspring is generally conceded, and the propriety, 

 or otherwise, of manual interference is a question upon which no hard-and- 

 fast rule can be laid. While it has to be borne in mind that the first milk 

 secreted contains a valuable laxative principle (calostrum), of which the 

 foal should partake, a substitute may be obtained where the relief of 

 the engorged mammae is of paramount importance. 



Mammitis is due to over-repletion with milk, injuries, lying upon cold 

 wet ground, exposure to east winds, to obstruction of the ducts within the 

 udder, or impervious teats, and in some instances it is believed to be the 

 result of imperfect circulation in the great posterior vena cava. 



The symptoms of engorgement and actual inflammation of the udder 

 may be considered together, as the former is not immediately distinguishable 

 from the latter and is in the majority of cases its precursor. When due to 

 over-repletion the malady is gradual in its manifestation. If arising from 

 external violence, inflammation is suddenly developed, the affected parts 

 being swollen, tense, hard, and showing a want of elasticity on manipulation. 



