1 24 VETERINARY OBSTETRICS. 



iined to their surface, spread to the depths and to the 

 interstitial connective tissue. 



Symptoms. — Disease sets in suddenly, with pain and 

 the other symptoms of mastitis. Swelling commences 

 In the interior of the udder, but spreads as far as the 

 skin, which Is warm and reddened. Secretion of milk 

 diminishes, or entirely stops, the milk Is curdled, later 

 becomes yellowish from pus, or red from bleeding; 

 finally It may become more and more puriform, and 

 contain curdled material, which blocks the niilk ducts. 

 Following these symptoms there is fever, Inappetence, 

 excessive thirst, and depression. Either resolution 

 sets In, or the disease goes on to abscess formation. If 

 the former, after four or five days, sometimes later, 

 symptoms gradually begin to recede, while the secre- 

 tion more and more becomes normal. In some cases 

 there Is no permanent disturbance left, though, as a 

 rule, the affected section does not completely recover 

 its functional activity until the next period of lactation. 

 Abscesses, however, frequently form, and permanent 

 thickening and milk fistulee are not Infrequent results 

 of the process. Hard swellings also sometimes result. 

 These suppurative processes may at times lead to 

 pyaemia or septicaemia. 



Causes. — Infectious materials entering through the 

 mammary ducts, syphons, catheters, and other Instru- 

 ments bearing infection, etc. 



Treatment. — Prevent infection, or combat It If 

 already existing. Care In using instruments. When 

 occurring enzootically, segregation of diseased animals, 

 and disinfection of stables, etc. Frequent milking of 



