328 MATERNAL DYSTOKIA. 



Their volume, form, and consistence are very diverse ; and they may 

 either adhere closely or loosely to the adjacent parts, being fixed in the 

 one case and movable in the other. Some are attached or implanted by 

 wide bases, others are pediculated or retained by a more or less narrow 

 pedicle. • 



Tumors of the soft parturient passages are rather rare in the domesti- 

 cated animals, and their occurrence has only recently been brought under 

 observation. The first instance is probably that recorded by Jeanroy, in 

 1828 {Recueil de Med. Veierinaire, 1828, p. 639). Since that period a 

 number of cases have been recorded by veterinarians in this and other 

 countries, and as some of these are very interesting, we will give them a 

 brief notice hereafter. 



With regard to parturition, these tumors may be considered in a gen- 

 eral manner according to their {1) Seat ; (2) Mode of attachment ; and (3) 

 Consistence. 



1. Seat. — The situation of genital tumors — whether in the vagina, on 

 the cervix uteri, in the os uteri, body of the uterus, or cornua — will make 

 a very great difference in the act of parturition. 



Those tumors which are developed in the uterine cornua may, by alter- 

 ing the structure of the walls of the uterus, hinder the amplification of the 

 organ, impair the nutrition of the foetus, and even cause it to be expelled 

 prematurely. If, however, they do not interfere with the regular course 

 of gestation, birth may take place in a natural manner and without inter- 

 ruption. If the foetus is situated behind the tumor, towards the body 

 of the uterus, of course it meets with no obstruction in its passage out- 

 wards j and if it should happen that labor is longer and more difficult 

 than usual, this can only be attributed to the alteration the pathological 

 production has effected in the muscular structure of the uterus, an-d which 

 may produce a diminution in its contractile or expelling power. 



When, however, the tumor is between the foetus and the genital passages, 

 the case is much more serious. If it is fixed directly on the cervix, it 

 may prevent dilatation of the os to the necessary extent, or perhaps 

 altogether. When it is situated in front of the cervix, towards the body 

 of the uterus, but in the immediate vicinity of the former, and is movable 

 to a certain extent, it may be carried into the dilated os, occupy it to a 

 greater or less extent, and render the exit of the foetus impossible, unless 

 the tumor is moved out of the way. If the tumor occupies the vagina, it 

 will prove a more or less formidable obstacle, as it is large or small, hard 

 or soft, and consequently diminishes the calibre of this outlet for the 

 foetus. 



2. Mode of Attachment. — The manner in which these tumors are attached 

 to the membranes from which they spring, has some influence on their 

 action as obstacles to birth. They have either a wide basis of attachment, 

 or they are sessile or pediculated. 



Those tumors which have a very wide base are generally of- a malignant 

 character ; and though they may prove very serious, so far as the female 

 is concerned, yet they do not often prove a cause of difficult parturition, 

 provided they are not situated in the vagina or on the cervix. Animals 

 so affected do not generally breed, though they may regularly exhibit 

 oestrum ; if, however, they should chance to conceive, and pregnancy has 

 terminated, with these exceptions parturition may not be delayed in its 

 course. 



The circumscribed sessile tumors are generally more serious than those 



