THE LYMPH-DRAINAGE OF THE MAMMARY-GLANDS IN THE BITCH - A LYMPHOGRAPHIC STUDY .2. THE 3RD MAMMARY-GLAND

The objective of this investigation was to study the lymph drainage of the 3rd mammary gland in the bitch using indirect lymphography. The m ain conclusions drawn after the study of 62 normal lactating mongrel b itches were as follows: lymph usually drains from the third gland to t he axillary and superficial inguinal nodes simultaneously, but in some cases it drains only cranially to the axillary nodes. It may, rarely, drain only caudally to the superficial inguinal nodes. A lymphatic co nnection between the mammary glands could not be demonstrated. It was demonstrated that there is a connection between the superficial inguin al lymph nodes on either side. It is suggested that lymphatic connecti on between the axillary and sternal nodes and the axillary nodes of bo th sides should be possible in some cases. Lymphatics of the mammary g lands that cross the midline were not demonstrated. No relationship be tween the number of lymph nodes and the body size of the dog could be demonstrated.