338 DISEASES OF HORSES AND CATTLE. 



During pregnancy there is an increased quantity 

 sent to the udder. As the animal nears the period 

 of parturition, the udder being distended with 

 milk, the great supply of blood to it makes 

 this organ very sensitive and easily inflamed; this 

 is more especially the case in the young cow with 

 her first calf. 



Mammitis, or Inflammation of the Udder. — This 

 disease is known as "garget," and consists of in- 

 flammation of a part or the whole of the organ. 

 It is a common disease in the cow, but rare in the 

 mare. By care and good management this dis 

 ease can nearly always be prevented. When the 

 udder becomes greatly distended with milk (which 

 it often does before parturition) it should be re- 

 lieved by drawing off some milk, and if hot and 

 tender should be bathed with warm water for half 

 an hour at a time at least. This will be a great re- 

 lief to the animal, as well as preventing the udder 

 from becoming inflamed. There is a prevailing 

 idea among farmers that milking a cow before 

 calving is an injury and prevents or prolongs the 

 period of calving. This is a mistake, as there is 

 nothing we can do that will interfere with nature 

 in this respect. I have had cases tested, and found 

 no difference in those that were milked a few days 

 previous to parturition and those that were not; 

 it should be done in all cases where the udder is 

 much distended, thereby relieving the suffering 

 animal and saving the owner from loss. 



Causes of garget, or inflammation of the udder, 

 are injuries, as blows, kicks, scratches, and being 



