METRITIS, METRO-PERITONITIS, ETC. 655 



this leads to rapid consumption of the tissues, and is fraught with danger 

 to the system. 



There is no specific remedy with which to neutralize the action of the 

 septic matters in the blood and tissues. The sulphites of soda and potash 

 have been recommended, as well as sulphurous acid. These appear to have 

 acted favorably in some cases. Carbonate of soda and permanganate of 

 potash have also been well spoken of, as well as large doses of quinine. 

 Carbolic and salicylic acids are now most in repute, and are given in 

 small but frequent doses. 



If there is a tendency to constipation, a purgative may be administered ; 

 indeed, unless special circumstances forbid it, a purgative may prove 

 most serviceable in assisting in the removal of the septic matter through 

 the intestinal canal. Dogs which have been poisoned by this matter, 

 often recover after profuse and foetid diarrhoea ; and a purgative generally 

 reduces the temperature. 



In acute cases, in order to obtain the more prompt action of antiseptics, 

 it has been proposed to introduce them directly into the circulation by 

 intravenous injection. Solutions of carbolic acid and iodine have been 

 employed successfully ; and in woman a desperate case has recovered 

 after the intravenous injection of liquor ammoniae (i to 3). 



As a last resource, and to substitute healthy for poisoned blood, trans- 

 fusion has been also practised in woman, and with good results. The 

 experiment is worth trying in the parturient fever of animals. 



With regard to the diminution of temperature, quinine has been highly 

 lauded. Bleeding is certainly not to be recommended. If the tempera- 

 ture continuously remains very high, then the application of cold water to 

 the surface of the body is indicated. The cold water may be applied to the 

 larger animals by means of cold wet sheets wrapped round the body, and 

 kept cold for an hour or two at a time by pouring on water, at intervals, 

 by means of a small vessel. Smaller animals may be put in a gradually- 

 cooled bath. 



The skin must be well dried after the application of the cold water, and 

 with the larger animals a dry blanket should be thrown over the body. 

 The stable must be kept scrupulously clean and well ventilated. 



Tonics and good food must be allowed when recovery is taking place, 

 and the sequelce of the disease treated according to their indications. 



Peritonitis may be combated by the exhibition of large and frequent 

 doses of calomel. Van den Eide and Clement were successful in treating 

 serious cases of metro-peritonitis, by administering calomel, and applying 

 mercurial ointment to the abdomen. 



When the pain is very severe, mustard may be applied to the surface 

 of the abdomen, and, in the case of small animals, linseed-meal poul- 

 tices on which laudanum has been sprinkled ; while subcutaneous injec- 

 tions of morphia may be freely resorted to. When great exhaustion or 

 collapse is present, large and frequent draughts, containing diffusible 

 stimulants, must be administered, with nutritious gruel. To the smaller 

 animals milk or beef-tea may be given. 



In the chronic form of metritis, the same treatm.ent may be adopted, so 

 far as the genital canal is concerned ; and if there is vaginal discharge, 

 the treatment recommended for leucorrhoea will be suitable. If the uterus 

 is not contracted, this may be promoted by the exhibition of prepara- 

 tions of ergot of rye. 



In handling animals suffering from parturient fever, or in examining 



