126 THE COW IN HEALTH AND DISEASE 



to handle these conditions as it is most times 

 necessary to remove them surgically, and this can 

 best be done when the cow is dry. 



Closure of Milk Duct by Lining Membrane. 



This usually takes place while the cow is dry 

 and is not discovered until she freshens. It some- 

 times is possible to draw some milk from the 

 teat that is affected, as the closure is not always 

 complete. We have been able in a few instances 

 to open the milk duct by working the milk tube 

 from side to side and then in a circle. If this 

 is not successful or is impossible, it is then neces- 

 sary to take a small bistoury which is made for 

 that purpose and cut through the thickening in 

 at least two directions. Keep this open by a 

 spring dilator until healing has taken place. 



This condition is caused, no doubt, from an 

 inflammation within the milk duct which brings 

 the walls in apposition and they unite, either 

 wholly or in part, thus closing the milk duct, 

 either completely or partially. 



Stricture of the Teat. 



This is a condition which to the average cow 

 owner seems very simple, yet we are frank to 

 say that in our experience it does not yield satis- 

 factorily to the modern methods of treatment 

 that are now employed by practicing veterinar- 

 ians. We believe, though, that they are as good 

 as can be employed for such conditions. It is a 

 very common thing to see a severe case of mam- 



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