Carnivore Mammary Gland - Anatomy & Physiology
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General Structure Bitch
- Usually 10 mammary complexes.
- Arranged in two bilaterally symmetrical rows.
- Extend from the ventral thoracic to inguinal region.
N.B: Not always symmetrical and number of complexes may vary 8-12.
General Structure Cat
- Usually 8 mammary complexes.
- Arranged in two bilaterally symmetrical rows.
- Extend from the ventral thoracic to abdominal region.
General Structure Carnivore
- Each mammary complex consists of 5-20 mammary units and their corresponding ducts.
- Ducts open separately on the tip of the teat.
- Shallow grooves indicate the border between complexes.
- Intermammary Sulcus divides the right from the left row.
Appearance
- Juvenile/non-lactating: inconspicuous mammary complexes with short teats.
- Lactation: Mammary complexes increase in size and become hemi-spherical in shape.
- Varies among breeds and individuals.