CHAPTER XI. 



DISEASES OF THE MAMMARY GLANDS. 



MAMMITIS, LACTEAL TUMORS, CANCER. 



MAMMITIS, 



Or inflammation of the milk-gland, is by no means an uncom- 

 mon complaint in canine practice. 



Causes. — External injury, as blows, bruises or wounds, ex- 

 posure to cold and damp, retention of milk, etc. 



Symptoms. — The part affected is red, hot, somewhat hard, 

 and excessively tender ; the lacteal secretion is changed in 

 character, first having a curdled appearance, subsequently 

 mingled with blood, and ultimately pus, the natural secretion 

 becoming then totally arrested. Matter having formed may 

 gradually approach the surface of the gland and point there, 

 but it rarely becomes thus located, the whole gland generally 

 being involved. Considerable febrile disturbance is present 

 throughout. 



Treatment. — In the early stage leeches may be applied to 

 the part, and hot fomentations ; a saline aperient should be 

 administered, and perfect quietude on a soft bed enjoined. 

 If the complaint results from retention of milk, owing to the 

 removal or death of whelps, the sooner suckling is allowed 

 the better — whether the secretion be altered or not, even to 



