MA MM IT IS on MASTITIS. 675 



An important consideration in these affections of the mammtr, is that 

 relating to their anatomy. As was shown at pp. 32-3o, in the Mare, 

 Ewe, and Goat, they are formed of two perfectly distinct glands placed 

 together in the inguinal region ; while in the Cow they are composed of 

 at least four glands or "quarters" in close contact, and apparently form- 

 ing one mass in the prepubic region ; and in the Sow, 13itch, and Cat, 

 they are numerous and distinct from each other, and extend from the 

 inguinal to tlie thoracic region. When we know that all the glands 

 may become congested or inflamed, or only one — or even only a certain 

 number of acini in each gland — we see at once that morbid conditions 

 may give rise to very diverse symptoms, due to these anatomical 

 peculiarities. 



With the Cow, congestion may therefore be limited to one gland or 

 " quarter "; though at the commencement the whole udder may be 

 swollen, and localisation only occur at a later period. The same is 

 obsen-ed with the Bitch and all the other animals with numerous 

 mammye : there is always at first general engorgement, before it is 

 finally localised. The tumefaction partakes somewhat of oedema, from 

 its readiness to pit on pressure, and there is often a doughy swelling 

 around the udder, which, in some instances, extends to the other parts 

 of the abdomen. The latter symptom is most noticeable in Mares, in 

 which, in the course of a few days, the mammary swelling altogether 

 disappears, leaving only an cedematous tumour towards the umbilicus. 



The secretion of milk is diminished ; at first it may be normal in con- 

 sistence, and exceptionally it may offer streaks of blood, which give it 

 more or less of a rose tint. When this condition continues, however, 

 its degree of fluidity is changed, and it becomes lumpy and clotted, 

 being partially coagulated in the lactiferous sinuses and canals, and the 

 coagula of casein are evacuated at the same time as the other portions 

 of the milk, which is sometimes nothing but pure viscid, yellowish 

 serum, having a sweet taste; sometimes these coagula — round or 

 cylindrical masses — obstruct the canals, and prevent the escape of the 

 milk. Fiirstenberg states that he has sometimes found casts of epithe- 

 lial cells in them, and that about the third or fourth day tlicre are 

 globules of colostrum. This alteration in the milk may be limited to 

 that from the affected gland or quarter ; in the others the secretion may 

 be healthy, though less abundant. 



This condition most frequently terminates by resolution, and very 

 often without treatment — the tumefaction disappearing in a very brief 

 time, or in the course of four to eight days ; though the milk may 

 remain less plentiful for some time, and up to the eighth or twelfth day 

 may still contain colostrum corpuscles. In other cases, the quantity of 

 milk remains less than usual ; and when relief is not afforded, we may 

 have inflammation supervening, and the formation of one or more 

 abscesses. 



In the great majority of cases, it is probable that this condition 

 commences in, or is limited to, the parenchyma of the gland, which 

 receives an inordinate supply of blood. This leads to a congested con- 

 dition, and consequent diminished lacteal secretion, with serous infiltra- 

 tion into the interlobular connective tissue. According to Fiirstenberg,^ 

 the milk contains more particularly the solid elements of this fluid, and 

 also the epithelium yet undergoing that change which should be com- 

 pleted in the acini. 



' Milchdriisen der Kiihe. 



