HYSTERITIS OR METRITIS. 543 



Since this was published, another account of the disease 

 occurring in practice, and a very interesting one, has reached 

 'The Veterinarian' (vol. xvii, p. 177), from Mr. Copeman, 

 V.S., Halesworth. 



" The meagre state of our literature in regard to this 

 disease in the mare — for, indeed, British writers are almost 

 all silent on it — would seem to aftbrd incontestible proof that 

 it is a disease of rare occurrence ; though I am inclined to 

 think that in the breeding districts such is not really the 

 case/' 



Jan. 11th, 1844, Mr. Copeman was requested to see a 

 seven-year-old cart-mare, in good condition. She had aborted 

 twin foals on the night of the 9th ; but as her appetite 

 continued, no notice was taken of her until this afternoon. 

 There was now a slight rigor ; body bedewed in patches with 

 sweat; looks gloomy and depressed; at times she becomes 

 uneasy; frequently lies down; looks at her flanks; but without 

 violence or attempt to roll on her back ; walk stiffly, and 

 with back rounded ; no appetite. Pulse 85, hard and com- 

 pressible ; visible mucous tissues highly injected ; vagina red, 

 and discharging a fetid, bloody fluid ; with pus quite normal. 

 Bled largely ; clothed warmly ; full dose of physic ; bran 

 mash. 12th. Better. 13th. Improving. Fever ball. In a 

 few days after convalescent. 



Observation. — In all the cases of hysteritis Mr. Cope- 

 man has treated, bloodletting has been borne surprisingly 

 well. The symptoms resemble those of colic and enteritis ; 

 but the sufi'erings are not so acute as in either of those 

 diseases. The disease generally occurs between tlie second 

 and fourth days after delivery. The fetid discharge from 

 the vagina, and the stiff" awkward gait, wnll assist very much 

 in distinguishing it from enteritis ; while for colic it never 

 can be mistaken, by one who pays any diligent attention to 

 such a case. 



