642 PA THOLOG Y OF PARTURITION. 



CHAPTER II. 



Leucorrhcea. 



vVhen inflammation of the vagina, and perhaps also of the Hning mem- 

 brane of the uterus, becomes chronic, the more acute symptoms disappear ; 

 but the vaginal discharge continues, and may even increase in quantity. 

 Usually the fluid is of a white, glutinous, and odorless character ; or it 

 may be purulent, muco-purulent, or even chocolate-colored and sour- 

 smelling, or sanious at times. The secretion is mainly composed of 

 mucus. Histologically, we find mucus corpuscles, an abundance of 

 epithelial cells, probably some pus corpuscles, and at times micrococci, 

 and»infusoria, particularly the Trichomonas vaginalis, which is also found 

 in healthy mucus from the vagina. Sometimes the secretion is only 

 manifest in an intermittent manner — as when the animal is lying down 

 or in movement, or during micturition. It is more frequently observed 

 in the Cow — particularly if lymphatic — than the Mare, and especially 

 if there is bad hygiene ; it is somewhat rare in the smaller animals. 

 The appetite is in many cases unimpaired, and the creature does not ap- 

 pear to be inconvenienced in any way ; in other instances, with the in- 

 crease in the discharge and the duration of the disease, there is loss of 

 condition and appetite, the yield of milk is less, and it may be viscid ; 

 signs of oestrum are more frequently present, but fecundation does not 

 take place so readily as in health, if the os and uterus are affected ; if 

 it does occur, the chances are that the full period of pregnancy will not 

 be reached. 



When the discharge comes chiefly from the cervix uteri, it is more 

 transparent and watery-looking than when derived from the vagina or in- 

 terior of the uterus, and the os is usually more or less dilated when these 

 parts are involved, while the uterus itself is not so firmly contracted as 

 when in a sound condition. 



The mucous membrane of the genital canal is pale, relaxed and insen- 

 sible ; in other cases it may be roughened by granulations ; and some- 

 times it is tumefied and red. Vaginal catarrh in the Bitch is often as- 

 sociated with, or dependent on, the presence of papillomata or epithelo- 

 mata. 



In rare instances the tissues lining the canal become indurated and 

 lardaceous, and its calibre diminished. Lafosse has even observed ad- 

 hesions between the sides of the vagina in an old Mare. 



With regard to treatment^ if the disease is not of very long duration, it 

 may yield to cleanliness and astringent injections — such as solutions of 

 sulphate of zinc, alum, permanganate of potass, tannic acid, etc. When 

 it has been in existence for a long time, however (it may continue for 

 months and even years), it is generally very obstinate, chiefly from the 

 relaxed condition of the membrane. The uterus or vagina, or both if 

 affected, should be thoroughly washed out twice or thrice daily with 

 warm water, which should be injected until it flows out quite clear. A 

 solution of carbolic acid in warm water should then be injected. A so- 

 lution of the sulphate of iron has likewise been successfully employed. 

 Nitrate of silver has also been efficaciously employed in solution (i to 

 10) ; as has tannic acid (i to 70). 



Tonics should also be freely administered. 



If the discharge continues after two or three weeks' treatment, it may 

 be found useful to apply a blister to the loins, croup, or thighs. 



