512 THE PRACTICE OF VETERINARY MEDICINE. 



between the lips of the vulva to prevent adhesion. The 

 pledget should be replaced every time it becomes displaced. 

 In a day or two no further danger of the vulva closing need 

 be apprehended. 



PROTRUSION OF THE VAGINA. 



Protrusion of the vagina is a by no means uncommon 

 condition, and may follow difficult parturition, especially 

 in those cases where the foetus is dragged by main force 

 from the mother. It may also be caused by an animal 

 lying upon a sloping surface, with the hind-quarters much 

 lower than the rest of the body. Constipation, or any- 

 thing that causes an animal to strain, will also cause it. 

 In many cases an insufficient supply of food, damaged 

 food, debility, etc., play an important part in the produc- 

 tion of this condition. Sometimes the vagina will bulge 

 out and present a reddened tumour-like mass, larger than 

 the closed fist of a man, frequently causing the condition 

 to be mistaken for inversion of the uterus. A manual 

 examination of the parts will, however, reveal the true 

 character of the trouble. 



Treatment. — If the protruding portion of the vagina 

 be irritated or dirty, it should be carefully cleansed 

 by washing in tepid water, to which a portion of 

 opii tr, may be added to allay irritation. The parts 

 should now be gently forced back into place, and the hind- 

 quarters of the animal elevated several inches. In some 

 cases it may be necessary to place sutures in the lips of the 

 Vulva, to retain the vagina in position. Astringent injections 

 into the vagina will be found useful. Enemas to clear out 

 the rectum should be given frequently; and a mild laxative 

 may be administered. Straining on the part of the animal 

 may be prevented by the administration of opiates. The 

 diet should be of a laxative character, highly nutritious, 



