759 
ELECTRICITY FOR STRICTURE OF THE TEAT. 
as well as other contagious diseases, in order to compete for ap¬ 
pointments. 
ELECTRICITY FOR STRICTURE OF THE TEAT. 
By J. J. Drasky, V. S., Crete, Neh. 
Read before the Nebraska Jersey Breeders’ Association, Dec. 2 1897. 
Stricture of the teat is a thickening of the mucous membrane, 
and a partial or complete closure of the milk duct, the result of 
mammitis or an infection setting up inflammation of the mucous 
or lining membrane of the milk duct, excoriation of the same 
and a deposit of fibrous tissue or cartilaginous material. If the 
stricture be localized in either the superior, middle or inferior 
portion of the milk duct, the treatment is simple, and therefore 
I shall only speak of a general stricture, a stricture that is con¬ 
sidered by some of our best authorities unavailable to treatment. 
In the treatment of a general stricture the result desired is the 
absorption of the cicatricial tissue. The modus operandi is to 
introduce, into the duct, an electrode about a size larger than 
the stricture will admit, insulated to the tip. 
The electrode must be soaked, not oiled, it being a non-con¬ 
ductor, for the purpose of lubrication and to facilitate its intro¬ 
duction. The electrode is to be attached to the negative pole 
of the battery. The circuit is completed by a broad sponge 
rhephore moistened with salt and water and placed on a con¬ 
venient part of the body of the patient. I would not advise a 
current stronger than from seven to eleven cells. Keep the 
ohve pressed in contact with the stricture, but do not force, and 
you will have the satisfaction, in a few moments, in finding 
I that the duct has dilated, and that the electrode slips with 
facility. This completes the operation, which may be repeated 
as often as deemed necessary at intervals of a few days. It will 
be noticed that I have laid great stress upon the use of a nega¬ 
tive pole. This is quite necessary, as the use of a positive 
pole easily produces an eschar, which heals by contraction, and 
so, instead of curing, a stricture, will actually cause one. 
