MAMMIT1S. 
813 
tion is largely theoretical. Not only is the activity of the af¬ 
fected gland generally diminished, but there is a constant 
tendency to recurrence with each calving. Occurring usually 
a few days after parturition, mamrnitis brings about a serious 
diminution of milk secretion, for that milking term at least, 
frequently destroys the function of the affected gland perma¬ 
nently, causes great emaciation, renders the milk from other 
portion of the gland unsafe for human food during the disease, 
and not infrequently causes the death of the patient. 
The treatment constitutes one of the most perplexing prob¬ 
lems in veterinary surgery. 
Viewing mamrnitis as a wound infection, we at once turn 
to disinfection as the fundamental principle of treatment, and 
our entire energies need be directed to the one end. We have 
compared the milk within the inflamed udder to the lymph and 
blood within a wound, and naturally we would wish to remove 
this as promptly, frequently and perfectly as conditions will 
permit, the same rule applying with equal force to pus or other 
wound secretions. It may be milked out in the usual manner, 
but if very much clotted it may be advisable or necessary to di¬ 
lute and break up the clots by injecting into the gland a i per 
cent, soda solution at ioo° F., to which may be added 3 to 5 
per cent, hydrogen peroxide. Fomentations and massage also 
facilitate its withdrawal. This mechanical removal of abnor¬ 
mal milk mixed with disease secretions, removes bacteria and 
bacterial products in a degree worthy of consideration, but the 
chief disease changes and absorption of morbid products are 
taking place within the acini of the gland and the deeper struc¬ 
tures and are not so favorably affected by the milking process 
as desired. 
It has been proposed to disinfect the inflamed gland by the 
injection of antiseptic solutions, and various preparations have 
been recommended or proposed without thus far demonstrating 
their practicability. Sublimate, carbolic acid, boric acid and 
others have been used, with apparently the best results from a 
weak solution of boric acid, which really amounts to little more 
