206 SWINE PRACTICE 



are most resistant to infection than other domestic animals, the mam- 

 mary disurbances also are less common in swine. 



CATARRHAL MAMMITIS 



Catarrhal inflammation of the mammas in sows is relatively com- 

 mon, but fortunately is not severe and is therefore rarely observed 

 as it occasions little inconvenience to the affected sow. 



The usual cause of this condition is retention of milk and it occurs 

 primarily at weaning time or in sows that have lost their pigs. The 

 condition is usually overcome if the sow is given a limited ration 

 of laxative foods without any medication. Some practitioners advise 

 the use of Phytolacca in the feed in such cases and reports indicate 

 that there may be some value in this treatment. 



PARENCHYMATOUS MAMMITIS 



Acute inflammation of the mammary gland occurs, but is rare. 

 The usual cause is infection, but this generally means that the gland 

 has been injured and thus predisposed to infection. 



The affected gland is tumefied, hot, and painful. On sectioning, 

 varying quantities of milk and inflammatory exudate escape from 

 the ducts. The blood vessels are gorged with blood, and the milk 

 in the larger ducts and cistern contains clots. 



The affected sow refuses to allow her pigs to nurse. She will 

 change position as frequently as they attempt it, and occasionally 

 a sow is observed that will purposely injure the pigs if they persist 

 in their endeavor to nurse. On examination, the gland is found en- 

 larged, more sensitive than normally, and if any milk is forced out 

 of the teat it will be more or less ropy. 



Treatment. — Hot and cold applications alternated, when possible to 

 apply such treatment, will be of as much value as any local treat- 

 ment. The administration of a purgative is also advised. 



PYOGENES MAMMARY ABSCESSES 



Abscesses of the mammse are quite common in old sows. Botryomy- 

 cotic, actinomycotic and tubercular abscesses of these glands are de- 

 scribed elsewhere as are the disturbances caused by infection with 

 B. necrophorus. 



Etiology. — According to the investigations of Ward, the B. pyo- 

 genes is the usual cause of these abscesses. It is probable that some 

 previous injury predisposes to this infection. 



