966 Veterinary Obstetrics 



that some dairymen dread the malad}' more than foot and mouth 

 disease, so extensive are the losses sometimes occasioned in 

 affected dairies. 



The malady has been observed chiefly in Switzerland, where it 

 has been extensively studied. We have seen no definite account 

 of the existence of the malady in America, but its chronic, in- 

 sidious character renders its importation easy. It probably 

 already exists in this country, and merely awaits recognition and 

 report of its presence. 



The disease consists of a catarrhal mastitis accompanied by 

 slight or inconspicuous tumefaction of the affected quarter or 

 quarters. The onset is somewhat insidious. The gland does 

 not swell greatly, if noticeably. There is little or no tendency 

 to abscessation or gangrene, and no marked systemic disturbances. 



The milk from the affected gland diminishes in quantity and 

 undergoes gradual changes in quality. It becomes serous, bluish, 

 and more or less viscid or flocculent. Later the color of the milk 

 may be reddish or brownish. It acquires a slight acid reaction, 

 is odorless and has a salty taste. 



The affected gland, which at first was but little altered in size, 

 consistency or temperature, begins after 2 or 3 weeks to atrophy, 

 and the milk secretion largely or completely ceases. After 2 or 3 

 months the gland becomes extremely atrophied and shriveled, and 

 the gland tissue so far disappears as to be almost unrecognizable 

 by palpation. After the disease has run its course, the gland re- 

 mains functionless at least until the cow calves again, possibly 

 permanently. 



Ibel (Archiv. Tierheilk, vol. 30J found that the lacteal vesicles 

 largely disappear, so that instead of 200-300 in a lobule, but 

 15-60 could be found. The diameters of the lacteal vesicles 

 were also greatly reduced. The acini were sometimes empty, 

 sometimes contained granular leucocytes or albumen coagula. 



The interlobular connective tissue was found somewhat thick- 

 ened and sclerotic. Ibel concludes that " gelber gait " at first 

 consists of a comparatively mild parenchymatous mastitis, with 

 the escape of leucocytes and albumen into the alveoli. 



The disease is highly contagious, and is readily transmitted 

 from the diseased to the healthy glands of the same udder or 

 from cow to cow, through the agency of the milker's hands. 



The cause is a form of streptococcus, which can readily be ob- 



