TREATMENT OF STENOSIS OF THE MAMMARY DUCT. 
459 
after milking, and allowed to remain in position for some hours. They 
can be used more than once, but, to prevent infection and severe 
mastitis, the bougies should be carefully cleansed and dried on each occa¬ 
sion. The same is true of all other instruments, such as milk catheters, 
probes, &c., which must be carefully cleansed and rendered absolutely 
sterile. Particular care is required where the teat is inflamed, as in 
cowpox, aphtha, &c. 
If for any reason the mammary duct cannot be dilated in this way it 
may be laid open, or the end of the teat amputated. For the former 
purpose a narrow, straight tenotome, or specially-constructed “ milk 
needle,” consisting of a slender double-edged fistula knife, is employed. 
The operation is easiest with the udder distended. The animal is 
twitched (with “bulldogs”), the teat grasped with the left hand, and 
attempts made to distend it with milk. The instrument is then intro¬ 
duced J to f of an inch, and the milk duct divided. As the milk 
afterwards flows away in an oblique direction, it is best to divide the 
anterior teats in a backward and the posterior ones in a forward direction, 
to direct the stream in each case towards the milking-pail. 
The result of division is often unsatisfactory, the wound growing up 
again, and stenosis becoming, if possible, still more pronounced. Inflam¬ 
mation of the udder may also follow, in consequence of infection with 
micro-organisms always to be found in the mammary duct below the 
sphincter. Inflammation therefore sometimes occurs, despite antisepsis. 
For this reason the cavity should first be disinfected by injecting a 
1 in 1,000 sublimate solution, and the obstruction then divided with a 
sterilised “milk needle.” Congenital atresia is most easily dealt with; 
here it is often sufficient to make a cross-shaped incision or a puncture 
with an inoculating needle or similar instrument. 
In acquired stenosis which resists other treatment, Bang recommends 
amputating the lower end of the teat just over the mammary duct; the 
sphincter can be distinctly felt here, and its position easily determined. 
The animal’s hind feet are fastened, and the end of the teat cut away with 
strong scissors, the skin being as far as possible preserved. In Denmark 
special forceps are used, and the teat grasped, so that the parts can be 
removed with one powerful cut just below the forceps. Bleeding is 
slight. The parts must be kept as clean as possible, to prevent inflam¬ 
mation in the affected division of the udder. For a short time milk 
flows away continuously, but this can be prevented by applying a suitable 
rubber ring/ During the healing process, the parts gradually contract, 
involuntary discharge ceases, and the animal can again be milked in the 
usual manner. 
In closure of the upper parts of the teat by indurated masses of tissue, 
a passage may be made by passing a thin trochar, the canula being left 
