INVERSION OF THE UTERUS. 531 



Symptoms. — In cases where the uterus is only partially 

 inverted, the animal may remain in a standing position ; 

 but in cases of complete inversion of the uterus, the animal 

 almost invariably lies down, and remains in that position, 

 while the inverted organ may be seen as a large swollen 

 mass protruding from the vagina. AVhen the animal is lying 

 down, the uterus soon becomes dirty, and in many cases 

 inflamed to a greater or less degree. 



Treatment. — The patient should be forced to rise. The 

 hind quarters should be elevated, and the uterus supported 

 by means of a sheet held by two, or more, assistants. The 

 protruding viscus should now be nicely bathed, and 

 thoroughly cleansed, with tepid water. If swollen, or 

 inflamed, slight scarifications will be of considerable benefit. 

 Care should, however, be exercised not to make the inci- 

 sions too deep. A small quantity of opii tr., added to the 

 water in which the uterus is bathed, is often of great benefit. 

 In case the fretal membranes are attached to the inverted 

 uterus, they should of course be gently removed. After 

 having cleansed the organ, it should be returned to its 

 proper place. This is a matter of considerable difiiculty, 

 especially in cases where it is completely inverted. Its 

 return should be eff'ected as gently as possible. After return- 

 ing the uterus, the practitioner should insert his hand, and 

 smooth it out in its proper position. It is in many cases 

 a very difficult matter to retain it in position until it con- 

 tracts, and to eftect this object the hind quarters of the 

 patient should be kept elevated for a few days, and per- 

 fect quietude enforced. Straining may be prevented or 

 greatly lessened by the judicious administration of opiates. 

 Any pain that may be present may also be controlled 

 in the same manner. Injections of tepid water into the 

 cavity of the uterus will be found of benefit. In some 

 cases it becomes necessary to use a pessary to keep the 



34—2 



