082 INJURIES AND INFLAMMATION OF THE VULVA, ETC. 



DISEASES OF THE FEMALE ORGANS OF 

 GENERATION. 



As the greater number of these diseases are considered in works 

 on special pathology and obstetrics, only a short account of those 

 which necessitate surgical interference is here given. 



I.— INJURIES AND INFLAMMATION OF THE VULVA, VAGINA, 

 AND UTERUS. 



In cows, the labia pudendi are most frequently injured by horn- 

 thrusts ; in mares, occasionally, by the shafts of vehicles ; in all 

 species of animals by violent and unskilful manipulations during 

 delivery. In such cases rupture of the perineum is common. In 

 cows, the vagina is sometimes wounded, though seldom seriously, 

 by the application of the vaginal truss for the purpose of retaining 

 the prolapsed vagina or uterus ; sometimes, however, severe croupous 

 inflammation results, and extends forwards. These conditions 

 seldom require surgical interference, and must be treated on general 

 principles. Sometimes wounds require extending to allow of better 

 drainage ; sometimes healing can be assisted by carefully applied 

 stitches. Wounds in this region most frequently result from rupture 

 of the perineum. When fresh they should be accurately sutured ; 

 when of old standing the edges may require to be freshened. 



Extensive wounds and excoriations of the mucous membrane 

 of the labia pudendi may lead to occlusion of the vulva. Apropos 

 of this, the following case may be quoted : — An eighteen months 

 filly exhibited occlusion of the vulva from its upper angle as far 

 almost as the clitoris, where an opening the size of a goose-quill 

 remained, from which urine was discharged in a thin stream. The 

 adhesion was divided ; but as it recurred several times, it was found 

 necessary to pass the hand into the vagina daily and dilate the vulva. 

 Under this treatment perfect recovery occurred. 



Occlusion of the vagina, due either to persistence of the hymen 

 or to adhesion of the surfaces of a vaginal wound, has been seen in 

 the cow and mare. In either case the os uteri is not attainable, 

 and a muco-sanguineous fluid collects behind the obstruction. 

 Occlusion from imperforate hymen is of little consequence, as it can 



