METRITIS. . 507 



as a result of the improper use of obstetrical instruments, 

 or the injudicious employment of force, during the act of 

 parturition. It may also be caused by exposure to cold, and 

 damp weather soon after foaling, etc. If the whole of the 

 womb-substance is affected, the most probable termination 

 is death. 



Symptoms. — The animal shows slight uneasiness, which 

 increases, becoming better marked as inflammation proceeds. 

 Soon considerable pain is manifested, and the patient may 

 lie down and roll. When standing more or less arching of 

 the back may be observed ; the pulse-beats increase in 

 frequency ; the temperature heightens, and greater than 

 ordinary thirst is manifested — all the symptoms of pyrexia 

 making their appearance in a well-marked form at an early 

 period of the disease. The appetite, at first impaired, 

 finally becomes lost altogether, the animal refusing every 

 description of food. Urine is passed frequently, and 

 occasionally a reddish or brownish fluid escapes from the 

 vagina. The bowels are generally constipated, cold sweats 

 break out in patches over the body, the countenance 

 becomes haggard and anxious, and unless the condition be 

 speedily relieved death quickly occurs. An examination 

 per rectum, or through the vagina, reveals increased heat of 

 the womb, and may cause the animal to evince pain. Inflam- 

 mation of the womb in a virgin mare rarely, or never, 

 occurs. 



Treatment. — If the pulse is found to be strong, full, and 

 bounding, Fleming's tincture of aconite, in the usual doses, 

 will be found useful to control the heart's action, and 

 combat the progress of inflammation. Opii pulv. or bella- 

 donna may be freely given to allay pain. Hypodermic 

 injections of morphia may also be admministered for the 

 same purpose, and have the advantage of acting very 

 quickly. The patient may be afforded great relief by 



