DISEASES OF THE ORGANS OF REPRODUCTION IN THE FEMALE 101 



be inverted it may reach as low as the hocks. If in this condition it 

 is allowed to hang down, the colour of the exposed membrane changes 

 from red to purple, and may deepen to blackish red. At the same time 

 the organ swells and the mucous membrane becomes soft and easily torn, 

 while at the same time a bloody-looking fluid oozes from the surface. 

 Although at first the mare displays no evidence of severe suffering, active 

 disease in the uterus cj[uickly appears and leads to a fatal issue, unless 

 relief can be afforded. At this time the mare evinces pain by looking 

 towards the flanks, pawing, and general restlessness, in which she may lie 

 down and rise again from time to time. Should help not be at hand the 

 face becomes pinched and anxious, cold patchy sweats appear on the body, 

 the muscles quiver, the legs and ears are cold, the pulse quickens almost 

 beyond numeration, the body temperature is heightened to 105° to 107° 

 and collapse soon puts an end to the case. 



Treatment. — Inversion of the uterus needs prompt professional attend- 

 ance, but in saying this it is not to be understood that there is nothing for 

 lay hands to do. On the contrary, the owner or attendants may render 

 most valuable services pending the arrival of the expert. In this connec- 

 tion it is necessary they should know that so long as the uterus is allowed 

 to hang down so long is the circulation in it being obstructed and inflam- 

 mation consequently excited. The blood entering it is in a large measure 

 prevented from leaving it, owing to its depending condition. As it accumu- 

 lates, the organ swells, increases in weight, and assumes a black colour, 

 besides which it becomes soft and foul, at best rendering its return ditfl- 

 cult, if not impossible. Until, therefore, the veterinary surgeon arrives 

 some attempt should be made to guard against these objectionable and 

 dangerous conditions. 



With this object an old, though clean blanket, should be procured, and 

 being folded once and soaked in a warm solution of carbolic acid, should 

 then be passed under the womb and raised by a couple of men standing 

 one on each side behind the mare, until the displaced organ is brought into 

 a straight line with the vaginal opening. By this means the weight is 

 removed from the part by which it hangs, and the circulation is restored 

 and facilitated. The effect of cold and exposure, which tends to cause con- 

 gestion, may be guarded against by covering it over with a flannel wrung 

 out in warm carbolized water. Failing to procure professional assistance 

 an attempt should be made to return it. Before commencing to do so the 

 hands of the operator should be thoroughly cleansed and dressed with 

 carbolized oil, and should any dirt have become attached to the extruded 

 organ it must be carefully removed by washing with warm carbolized 

 water. The organ should also receive a dressing of carbolized oil over its 



