458 
STENOSIS AND CLOSURE OF THE MAMMARY DUCT. 
In 3 cases there was a vertical dividing wall in the sinus. 
In 1 case there was doubling of the teat (congenital). 
In 1 case there were small accessory sinuses. 
In 6 cases there were traumatic injuries. 
In 9 cases there were ulcerations in the mucous membrane of the 
sinus. 
In 221 cases there were cicatrices in the mucous membrane of the 
sinus. 
In 97 cases there were papillomata in the mucous membrane of the 
sinus. 
In 9 cases there were fibrous enlargements in the mucous membrane 
of the sinus. 
In 37 cases there was thickening of the mucous membrane of the 
sinus. 
In 16 cases there was formation of septa in the sinuses. 
The diagnosis of this condition offers no difficulty, though the dis¬ 
covery of the cause is sometimes a hard task. Congenital closure will 
be recognised on the first calving by the excessive distension of the udder 
and teats, and by the fact that no milk flows when the parts are com¬ 
pressed. The little piece of skin covering the opening of the teat visibly 
protrudes, and on attempting to pass a probe, no opening can be found in 
the teat; the same is the case in adhesions, in which, however, indications 
of an opening exist. 
In stenosis or occlusion of the duct the probe either passes with great 
difficulty or not at all. The milk escapes in a thin stream, while the 
animals evince pain by kicking or moving about. Stenosis, caused by 
thickening of the epithelium or proliferation of the mucous membrane, 
can be felt as a cord-like swelling when the teat is rolled between the 
fore-finger and thumb. Induration in the upper portions of the teat may 
similarly be detected, whilst, in closure by folds of mucous membrane, 
palpation gives a negative result, and the probe meets with a somewhat 
yielding obstruction in the depth. This valve-like closure is occasionally 
indicated by those portions of the galactophorous sinus above the valve 
gradually becoming filled with milk and increasing in diameter, whilst 
those below appear small, and are generally occupied by a clear watery 
fluid, which, according to Larsen, always contains bacteria (cocci or 
bacilli). A small quantity of this fluid may from time to time be dis¬ 
charged. Sometimes the valve can be thrust on one side with the probe, 
and, for the time being, the milk allowed to flow freely away. 
Treatment. The stenosed mammary duct may be dilated by repeatedly 
introducing bougies; thick catgut threads, 1 to 1J inches long, provided 
with a knot at one end, so that they cannot slip completely into the 
mammary duct, can be passed a couple of hours before or immediately 
