550 GENITAL APPARATUS. 



A 25 per cent, hydroxyl solution gives surprisingly good results. 

 A 1 in 2,000 iodine solution (iodine 15 grains, potassium iodide 

 1 drachm, warm water 4 pints) is also of very great service. 



As the first irrigations are difficult to carry out thoroughly, it is 

 often advisable to cleanse the parts directly by means of a large dis- 

 infected sponge, which should be passed over the whole surface of 

 the mucous membrane and into the depressions of the uterus, thus 

 directly removing septic liquids. Thereafter irrigation will be easier 

 and more efficacious. 



This method, however, of cleansing the parts is dangerous for the 

 operator miless he takes the antiseptic precautions necessary in 

 every case of delivery. 



When the neck of the uterus is prematurely contracted, the diffi- 

 culties become much greater, and are sometimes insurmountable on ac- 

 count of the impossibility of dilating it. It then becomes necessary to 

 use metallic canulae or uterine sounds made of aluminium in order to 

 pass through the neck of the uterus. Liquids can be evacuated by com- 

 pressing the uterus through the wall of the rectum, but the method 

 is very troublesome. 



This local treatment should be practised twice a day at least until all 

 danger is over, and may be completed by the administration of diffusible 

 stimulants, such as alcohol in doses of 6 to 10 ounces, acetate of 

 ammonia in doses of 2 drachms, wine, coffee, and diuretic decoctions. 

 These may be given with food or drink to whatever amount is con- 

 sidered necessary if the animals still retain their appetite. The food 

 should be light and easily digested. 



From 8 to 12 pints of physiological salt solution may l)e injected 

 intravenously every day, the temperature at which this fluid is in- 

 jected being varied according to the degree of fever. (Physiological 

 salt solution consists of chloride of sodium 9 parts, sterilised water 

 1,000 parts.) 



Prophylaxis. Should a case of septic metritis occur in a byre con- 

 taining other cows about to calve the building should be disinfected. 



ACUTE METRITIS. 



The term " acute metritis " is used to indicate a variety of inflam- 

 mation of the uterus of a sufficiently grave character, which, however, 

 does not prove fatal in twenty-four or forty-eight hours. 



Causation. In domestic animals acute metritis develops exclusively 

 after difficult parturition and as a consequence of the tearing of tissues 

 or accidental post-par tum infection. 



At one time it was the rule to recognise a traumatic form consequent 



