DISEASES OF THE GENITAL ORGANS. 209 



£cute Metritis. 



Acute inflammation of the uterus or womb is an exceedingly rare dis- 

 ease. The possibility of its occurrence warrants a brief consideration. 



A traumatic origin such as a blow or a kick might cause metritis, but 

 quite unlikely. After whelping, if the labor has been long and exhausting, 

 or surgical measures have been employed, the liability to inflammation of 

 the womb is increased, especially if neglect or exposure follows. 



Vaginal injections.if too hot or too cold, deserve mention as causative 

 agents. 



Symptoms, —Fever is one of the earlier symptoms. Pain is prominent 

 and is increased on pressure over the lower part of the bowels. An exam- 

 ination made by introducing the finger into the vagina shows the womb 

 to be swollen and sensitive. 



Vomiting is not an uncommon occurrence. Diarrhoea and frequent 

 efforts to urinate, are other ordinary symptoms. The movements of the 

 animal are stiff and painful. 



The lining membrane of the womb is always involved in the inflamma- 

 tion, and as a result a vaginal discharge soon manifests itself. This is 

 purulent in character, rapidly assumes an extremely offensive odor, and 

 irritates the vaginal passage and orifice which becomes hot and swollen. 

 The disease is one of great gravity and especially so after whelping. If 

 death does not ensue early in consequence of the purulent changes going 

 on, the inflammation is liable to extend from the womb to the peritoneum, 

 in which event there can be little or no hope. 



Treatment. — Opiates are indicated to control the pain. Unless vomit- 

 ing occurs, laudanum in twenty drop doses at first would be the wiser 

 preparation as it is easier to vary the quantity at will. 



Warm vaginal injections may be frequently given, to which if the dis- 

 charge becomes fetid, carbolic acid should be added. The proportion of 

 acid should be about two teaspoonfuls to a quart of water. If necessary 

 to relieve constipation, rectal injections are the better means to employ; 

 if they prove insufficient, a dessertspoonful of castor oil should be given 

 every three hours until operative. Perfect quiet is to be enforced. 



The diet should be stimulating and concentrated. Beef tea with a raw 

 egg should be given every two or three hours. If the pulse appears weak 

 and flagging, brandy should be added to the nourishment. 



After the inflammatory stage has passed, ten drops of the fluid extract 

 of ergot may be given every six hours, and two grains of quinine four 

 times a day. 



If a bitch has had the good fortune to recover from acute metritis, she 

 ■hould not be bred until her second period. 



