172 THE MANAGEMENT AND DISEASES OF THE DOG. 



pus, its direction to the channel of the teat for evacuation 

 is strong!)' advisable, and much preferable to permitting ab- 

 scesses to form, and point at the surface, and thus destroy a 

 considerable portion of the glands 



When matter has formed, and is approaching the surface, 

 the sooner it is evacuated the better, otherwise sinuses are 

 liable to form, and render the case tedious and difficult. For 

 subsequent treatment see " Abscess." 



Chronic mammitis is denoted by an indurated and en- 

 larged condition of the gland, and maybe the result of linger- 

 ing subacute inflammation, or proceed from the acute form. 

 It is attended with but little or constitutional disturbance ; 

 but unless early measures are taken for its removal, it be- 

 comes a permanent induration, and may ultimately, if excited, 

 assume a cancerous condition. 



Treatment. — The daily application of iodine ointment, or 

 the tincture, to the affected part, and the iodide of potassium 

 in one to two scruples daily, are the most effectual agents in 

 this complaint ; repeated friction with the hand is also of 

 service, and where the enlargement is considerable and 

 weighty, it may be conveniently, and with benefit suspended, 

 by means of a handkerchief tied over the back, or a net made 

 for the purpose and fastened in the same way with tapes. 



LACTEAL TUMORS. 



The milk ducts are liable to become obstructed when not 

 sufficiently drained of their contents, or from some malforma- 

 tion. Any such obstruction to the outflow of milk is calcu- 

 lated to produce much mischief. Lacteal tumors, perhaps the 

 least hurtful that can arise, are thus frequently caused. 



Symptoms. — The mammary gland affected is knotty ; the 

 irregularities being even, movable, and painless ; in the early 

 stage these bodies have a fluctuating feel, which disappears 

 as their period of existence lengthens. 



