236 Common Diseases of the Horse 



and then there will be a chance of recovery. The womb requires 

 to be explored for any remains of the afterbirth, and well irrigated 

 with a warm antiseptic solution, such as i per cent carbolic acid, or, 

 preferably perhaps for a non-practitioner, 5 per cent boracic acid, or 

 I per cent permanganate of potash, &c. This may be continued 

 until the solution is returned practically unaltered. A bucketful or 

 more may be necessary before this is achieved, and as the walls of 

 the womb when inflamed do not contract, the fluid remaining has 

 to be removed by rubber siphon tubes. If the mare will eat, her 

 strength may be maintained by nourishing and sloppy food, such as 

 milk, with beaten-up eggs. Stimulants are also necessary, such as 

 whisky, brandy, or sweet spirits of nitre; 2 oz. of either of the former 

 or I oz. of the latter may be given every hour for the first day. As 

 regards other medicines, the following is good made into a ball and 

 given three times daily: — 



2 dr. sulphate of quinine, 



1 „ powdered nux vomica, 



2 „ chlorate of potash. 



The bowels also require regulating; a purgative may be necessary, 

 and a dose of aloes given. Two ounces of Epsom salts in a little 

 water every morning is very useful. 



Inflammation of the Vagina 



This is the term applied to inflammation of the passages through 

 which the foal passes after leaving the womb. The disease often 

 accompanies inflammation of the womb. When it occurs separately 

 it is generally caused by difficult labour, in which the parts have 

 been subjected to violent usage and become lacerated or torn either 

 by parts of the foetus or the use of instruments, ropes, &c. 



Symptoms. — The lips of the vulva or "wearing" are swollen, and 

 an examination of their lining membrane and that of the passage 

 reveals heat, swelling, and redness, which may be all shades to 

 nearly black. In the early stages the lining membranes are very 

 dry, but in two or three days a discharge begins which thickens as 

 the disease advances, and if not checked will excoriate the surround- 

 ing parts. More or less increase of temperature and pulse rate will 

 be found, as well as constipation, and pain on micturition. Neglect 

 of the complaint is liable to result in bad ulceration, followed by 

 mortification. 



Treatment. — Sloppy and laxative diet, attention to the bowels, 

 and careful antiseptic treatment. The parts must be kept very 

 clean, syringed, and dressed with weak disinfectants, such as chino- 



