174 THE MANAGEMENT AND DISEASES OF THE DOG. 



and tenderness. These in time subside (with the exception 

 of the enlargement, and this also is reduced as the condition 

 becomes sub-acute), .leaving behind a thickened, lumpy gland. 

 This may remain in statu quo until the time of parturition 

 again approaches, or at the period of oestrum. The gland 

 will then assume the same acute symptoms as in the first in- 

 stance, and pass away with much the same result, except an 

 observable increase in the enlargement. And so this may 

 go on for years, gradually increasing, until at last the whole 

 gland, and not unfrequently its neighbor, becomes obliterated, 

 and in its place is a large indurated tumor, or, it may be, 

 cancer. 



Treatment. — If the case is taken in hand during its acute 

 stage, the early treatment laid down for mammitis — leeches, 

 fomentation, saline aperients, rest, and removal from cold — 

 should be adopted. When it occurs after parturition, the 

 whelps should either be removed and the teats drawn, or 

 watched when suckling that they do not irritate the part. The 

 scrambling and application of their . needle like claws only 

 tends to bruise and irritate the inflamed gland. If it can be 

 done without distressing the mother, it is advisable to remove 

 the whole or a portion of the family until nourishment is again 

 required. 



In chronic cases, and when the gland is not wholly in- 

 volved, and the enlargement not very considerable, the iodine 

 ointment, or tincture, may be tried outwardly, and the iodide 

 of potassium and iron inwardly, in the doses already pre- 

 scribed. When the tumor becomes large, very pendulous 

 and unsightly, or breaks, and gives vent to an offensive dis- 

 charge, excision is decidedly indicated. The skin should be 

 divided the whole length, or nearly so, of the tumor, the 

 edges reflected, and the diseased mass, which is usually held 

 by connective areolar tissue, is generally easily and quickly 

 removed by dissection around it. Occasionally its base is 

 attached by more vital structures, and haemorrhage will follow 

 its removal. In such a case, either the ligature may be 



