TUMORS OF THE UTERUS 303 



RUPTURE OF THE UTERUS. 



Rupture of the uterus has been observed in both the bitch 

 and cat. It may be due to unequal uterine contractions, or 

 to the rough use of instruments at parturition. 



The rupture may be small, simply allowing some of the 

 fluids from the uterus to escape into the abdominal cavity, 

 or may be of sufficient size to allow the fetus to pass through. 

 This is usually a serious condition on account of the infection 

 getting into the abdominal cavity, producing septic peri- 

 tonitis. 



Symptoms. The stoppage of the labor pains, and the 

 sudden prostration of the animal are the most characteristic 

 symptoms. Examination should be made by inserting the 

 finger through the vagina into the uterus and at the same 

 time with the other hand pushing upward and backward on 

 the fetus. If there is membrane between the fetus and finger, 

 one should suspect that the fetus is in the abdominal cavity. 

 Laparotomy should be performed at once to make a positive 

 diagnosis. 



Prognosis. The prognosis is unfavorable owing to the 

 danger of peritonitis. 



Treatment. Prompt surgical treatment should be given. 

 The fetus and membranes should at once be removed, and 

 the abdominal cavity flushed thoroughly with normal salt 

 solution. The rent in the uterus is closed with Lembert 

 sutures. Gauze is placed between two of the sutures in the 

 abdominal wall to afford drainage. In thirty-six hours this 

 may be removed. 



TUMORS OF THE UTERUS. 



Various forms of tumors have been observed involving the 

 uterus in the bitch and cat. The usual varieties are : Fibro- 

 mata, myomata, cysts, and hydrometra. Malignant neo- 

 plasms are very rare. 



Fibromata. These are benign tumors found involving the 

 muscular wall of the uterus. In the majority of instances 

 they consist in part of fibrous tissue, and myomatous ele- 



