CHAPTER IX. 



DISEASES OF THE REPRODUCTORY 

 SYSTEM. 



HYSTERIA. 



During the period of oestrum in the mare, symptoms 

 resembling those of hysteria have been observed. 



In two cases described by Professor Williams, the sym- 

 ptoms manifested were — clenching the jaws, grinding the 

 teeth, difficulty in deglutition, and squinting, together with 

 some degree of trismus, and tonic alternating with clonic 

 spasms of the voluntary muscles. 



Kicking with the hind-legs in a most persistent and un- 

 controllable manner, stamping with the hind-legs, and other 

 indications of great restlessness and excitement, are very 

 marked in some cases. The vulva, when examined, is found 

 to be in a hypersesthetic condition, being opened and closed 

 in rapid succession. The urine, which at first is excessive, 

 becomes more scanty and high-coloured. 



In one of the cases recorded, the animal was prostrate 

 and rigid, and appeared as though in a state of trance. 



In the case of a mare recently under our notice, the 

 animal kicked violently and almost continuously, and there 

 was great sexual excitement. The urine was pale, watery, 

 and abundant. The mucous membrane of the vulva and 

 vagina was highly congested. 



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