298 DISEASES OF THE UTERUS 



tion, weakness, rough hair coat, a variable appetite and 

 temperature. 



Diagnosis. Diagnosis does not present much difficulty 

 as the symptoms are quite characteristic. Uterine abscess 

 should be differentiated from pregnancy, distention of the 

 bladder, ascites, tumors, etc. In doubtful cases, laparotomy 

 is advisable. 



Prognosis. Usually favorable, especially so when the 

 animal's condition is still good, and proper treatment pos- 

 sible. Such animals cannot be used for breeding as the 

 condition in the uterus, which cannot be entirely relieved, 

 prevents conception. 



Treatment. Medical treatment is of little value. Irrigation 

 of the uterus with an antiseptic solution may be tried. How- 

 ever, surgical treatment is necessary in order to properly over- 

 come the general symptoms. An early removal of the uterus 

 and ovaries will prevent metastatic abscesses developing in the 

 kidneys, liver, etc. The operation is as follows : The animal 

 should be given a general anesthetic and placed on the oper- 

 ating table in the dorsal position with head lowered. The 

 incision is made in the median line, beginning just anterior to 

 the pubis and extending forward a sufficient distance to allow 

 the uterus to be drawn out of the abdominal cavity. Sterile 

 silk ligatures (No. 10) are applied around the broad ligament 

 at the distal portion of the ovary, and around the uterus 

 just anterior to the cervix. The ligature around the uterus 

 should be placed in sections, and then around the entire part 

 to prevent it from slipping off and fatal hemorrhage resulting. 

 The entire portion between the ligatures is then separated 

 with knife or scissors, and the stumps returned to the abdom- 

 inal cavity. The abdominal incision is cared for in the regular 

 way. 



In case of collapse or weakness following the operation 

 small doses of strychnin (0.001) should be given. 



PUERPERAL SEPTICEMIA. 



Definition. A common disease in small animals in which 

 either bacteria or their products are introduced into the 



