CHAPTER XVI 



THE IMPORTANCE OF MASTITIS TO MEAT 

 INSPECTION 



Examination 



The udder should be examined with an eye for swell- 

 ings and palpated for thickenings. 



When such lesions are observed the half of the udder 

 affected, together with the other half, is laid open by a 

 sagittal longitudinal incision extending through the teats. 

 The appearance of the cut surface facilitates a quick de- 

 termination of the nature and extent of the condition. 

 When the udder has been thoroughly examined the supra- 

 mammary lymph-glands are inspected. If one or both of 

 these glands are swollen and oedematous one may logically 

 suspect udder-tuberculosis. If this suspicion is not proved 

 to be absolutely unfounded the meat in these cases is judged 

 as though udder-tuberculosis had been diagnosed. When 

 tuberculous foci are present the diagnosis is positive. ( I have 

 seen one case of extensive tuberculosis of the supra-mam- 

 mary lymph-glands, however, without any visible tuber- 

 culosis in the corresponding udder. This was a case of 

 wound infection, as a tuberculous wound was found in the 

 gland. ) The less frequent actinomycotic foci must not be 

 confused with tuberculosis. 



Judgment 

 Udder. — That half of the udder found to be diseased, 

 together with its corresponding lymph-gland, is unfit for 

 use by man. [The entire udder is condemned.] If a 

 decided sclerosis of an injury is present and no pus can be 

 expressed it may be passed. [Entire udder is condemned.] 



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