128 MASTITIS OF THE COW 



The lymph-glands are then divided by a longitudinal 

 incision, the halves laid apart and the structure examined 

 for lesions. One should carefully observe whether the in- 

 cision be dry. Normally it is moderately dry. When juicy 

 it indicates oedema. It may be hard from induration. If 

 any of these conditions be present transverse incisions are 

 made through them. 



If a teat is affected it should be amputated close to its 

 base and the cistern and teat canal examined after its 

 ablation. 



Cut StiRFACE of the Udder. — Each udder-half is now 

 laid open like a book by making a sagittal longitudinal 

 incision parallel to the table and extending to the cisterns. 



Under physiological conditions the incision is more or 

 less juicy and the juice in the incision consists of milk. The 

 cut surface bulges outward so that it is slightly convex. 

 It presents a fine net-like framework of wbite connective 

 tissue which divides the structure into an inestimable num- 

 ber of closely associated flaccid rounded parts ranging in 

 size from a lentil to a pea, called lobuli. Within the lobuli 

 one can see the milk-filled tubuh as exceptionally small, just 

 barely visible white points called milk points. During the 

 lactation period the lobuli are grayish-white and during the 

 quiescent period they are often yellow. The consistency 

 is soft, elastic, tough, and it resists tearing or crushing. 

 More or less milk is found in the cisterns and milk canals, 

 and their mucous membranes are white and uniform. 



Under pathological conditions the cut surface may pre- 

 sent many different alterations. The juice in the incision 

 may consist of pus or other pathological products. If the 

 cut surface is even, not convex, it points toward diminished 

 elasticity following sclerosis or other changes. If the con- 

 sistency of the cut surface is firm but pliable, it indicates 

 engorgement and distension of the elastic gland vesicles 

 with firm contents, such as fibrin or cells. In the same 



