The lymph drainage of the mammary glands in the Bitch: a lymphographic study. Part II: 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 main conclusions drawn after the study of 62 normal lactating mongrel bitches were as follows: lymph usually drains from the third gland to the 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 connection between the mammary glands could not be demonstrated. It was demonstrated that there is a connection between the superficial inguinal lymph nodes on either side. It is suggested that lymphatic connection between the axillary and sternal nodes and the axillary nodes of both sides should be possible in some cases. Lymphatics of the mammary glands that cross the midline were not demonstrated. No relationship between the number of lymph nodes and the body size of the dog could be demonstrated.