684 INJURIES AND INFLAMMATION OF THE VULVA, ETC. 



wounds of the lower vaginal wall are graver than those of the upper ; 

 but even perforating wounds generally heal without bad results, 

 as is well shown by the results of castrating animals after Charlier's 

 (vaginal) method. 



An extremely severe injury, sometimes produced during delivery 

 of a very large foetus, or by the fore-legs of one of ordinary size, is 

 rupture of the upper wall of the vagina and lower wall of the rectum. 

 Sometimes the parts are only perforated, and a recto- vaginal fistula 

 results ; but in others the parts are torn for a distance of 10 to 12 

 inches from the opening of the vagina. Faeces then pass from the 

 rectum into the vagina, setting up vaginal catarrh, which may 

 extend to the bladder and uterus. Breeding from such animals 

 is out of the question. The condition is not fatal, but implies such 

 unpleasant complications as to render the animal almost worthless. 

 For the surgical treatment of rupture of the perineum and recto- 

 vaginal fistula, see " Perineal Hernia " and " Anal Fistula." Humbert 

 and Beaufils cured four cases of perineal rupture by inserting double 

 rows of tape sutures. In the most serious case the vulva, anus, and 

 recto- vaginal septum were implicated. 



The treatment of non-perforating vaginal wounds, especially 

 those contracted in labour, requires particular care in animals. The 

 foetal membranes must be removed as soon as possible, and the 

 vagina and uterus repeatedly washed out with lysol, carbolic, or 

 alum solution ; in mares, diluted sublimate solution (1 in 5,000) 

 may also be employed. One of the best disinfectants is a dilute 

 solution of iodine and potassium iodide. It has the advantage of 

 not setting up violent expulsive efforts - , as do most of the other fluids 

 named. Injuries to the vulva or its neighbourhood should be 

 swabbed with 10 per cent, solution of chloride of zinc, so as to form 

 an eschar, and diminish the chance of infection from the wound. 

 It is better to avoid washing out perforating wounds, because of the 

 danger of thus causing peritonitis. If within reach, as when affecting 

 prolapsed organs, such wounds may be sutured before reducing 

 the prolapse. 



Wounds of the uterus are caused, during parturition, by instruments 

 or by the little animal's feet, and in cases of prolapse, by external 

 violence ; rupture of the pregnant uterus has also been seen. When 

 diseased the uterus naturally tears more readily than when healthy, 

 and such accidents are therefore commoner after metritis. Whether, 

 as has been stated, rupture is produced by dropsical conditions of 

 the membranes seems doubtful ; more frequently it results from 

 violent interference when the foetus is in an awkward position. 



