6 BOVINE OBSTETRICS 



tion is noticeable (Pyocolpos). The quantity of pus may 

 amount to five or six quarts. 



Early attention results usually in complete recovery. 

 The treatment consists of astringent and disinfecting injections. 

 Of special value are a 2 per cent, solution of alum, or a I per 

 cent, pyoktanin. Should adhesions and accumulations of pus 

 be present, the wall is to be perforated with a trocar and the 

 opening enlarged with a finger; this is followed by ordinary 

 surgical treatment. Experience teaches that such animals are 

 often of little value as breeders. 



Vaginismus or Elytrospasmus. — From an etymological 

 standpoint this name is correct. It indicates a spasm of the 

 vaginal constrictor muscle, caused by a hyperasthesia of that 

 portion where the vestibule joins the vagina. 



TVagenheuser first observed this affection in the cow. 

 According to his opinion, it is a neurosis with abnormal 

 irritability of the vaginal inlet, a part richly endowed with 

 sensory nerves. In man this diseaserwas first described by 

 Marion Sims. This hyperasthesia produces reflexly, by the 

 slightest stimulus, contractions of the constrictor cunni muscle, 

 even of the pelvic muscles. Ity it the introduction of the 

 penis into the vagina is interfered with. 



The mucosa of the vagina is injected, slightly red, but no 

 catarrh is present. If the hand is introduced into the vagina, 

 the patient trembles, collapses and falls down. A mere touch 

 of that part is often sufficient to bring on these spasmodic 

 contractions. 



Similar symptoms accompan}' micturition. The animal 

 crouches with pain, but does not strain. The urine flows 

 frequently and in small quantities. Post mortem examination 

 does not show any pathological changes in the genital ap- 

 paratus. 



One also meets with cases where copulations are not 

 followed by conception; the spermatozoa then do not come 

 in contact with the ovum. This occurs when the os uteri is 

 obstructed, frequently the case in the cow. In consequence of 

 the inspissated semi-liquid secretion of the palma plicata, the 



