EXPEUIMP^NT STATION REPORTS. 157 



uterus with the accumulation of more or less pus in the uterine cavity. But 

 little Avork has been done upon the pathology of this condition in cattle and 

 appreciating the importance of a knowledge of the pathology of any affec- 

 tion as a guide in outlining a rational treatment, it was considered advisable 

 to devote some time to a study of this condition. 



This preliminary study indicates that the essential lesions in the uterus in 

 this condition are, a superficial and more or less general necrosis of both the 

 gland mucosa and the region of the cotyledons of the uterine mucosa; and 

 leucocytic infiltration and fibrosis of the superficial portions of the stroma. 

 The depth of the necrosis varies from fifty microns to eight-tenths of a milli- 

 meter and in places produces many minute ulcers extending more deeply 

 into the uterine mucosa. In one case of a more chronic nature the most 

 conspicuous alteration was the presence of numerous small cysts in the uterine 

 mucosa. Cystic ovaries are of frequent occurence in sterile cows but to the 

 writer's knowledge this condition of the uterine mucosa has not been reported. 



The condition observed in this case may explain the occurrence of nympho- 

 mania in cows in which cystic ovaries are not clinically recognizable. 



The other problem studied was undertaken with the hope of throwing some 

 light on the changes produced in the uterus by the usual treatment of the 

 catarrhal conditions. The use of irritants in the treatment of these conditions 

 is a long established practice and many gynecologists have condemned the 

 use of them, assuming that their use possibly produces changes that interfere 

 with subsequent pregnancies. In this work concentrated preparations of 

 iodine were injected into the uterine cavity and also used to swab the cervical 

 mucosa. The treated animals were slaughtered at varying intervals of time 

 and a gross and histological examination made of the reproductive organs. 



The observations made in these cases indicate that the use of such prepara- 

 tions produces an acute fibrinous imflammation of the uterine mucosa with 

 superficial necrosis; the necrotic zone varying in depth from twenty microns 

 to one milhmeter. Sloughing of the necrotic zone and regeneration of the 

 epithelium are initiated within forty-eight to seventy-two hours after treat- 

 ment. Out of ten cases treated there were three in which the treatment 

 apparently caused the rupture of a bloodvessel resulting in a hematoma. In 

 one of these the cow was in heat, another was menstruating, and another 

 was in the early stage of pregnancy (pregnancy not diagnosed before treat- 

 ment). In each of these conditions there is an engorgment of the blood- 

 vessels and the thought is suggested that such treatment about the time of 

 estrum or menstruation may be a dangerous practice. 



The results indicate that repair is more or less complete in about two weeks 

 and but little, if any, fibrosis results from the treatment administered in these 

 cases. 



Respectfully submitted, 



E. T. HALLMAN, 



Animal Pathologist. 



East Lansing, Mich., June 30, 1921. 



