334 BOVINE OBSTETRICS 



not necessary. When practiced by the veterinarian himself 

 they are of value. For that purpose a warm 2 per cent, 

 boric acid or 1 per cent, alum solution is employed. By 

 using it at body temperature violent straining is to a great 

 extent prevented. 



(b) CHRONIC ENDOMETRITIS. 



Definition. — A chronic inflammation of the mucosa and 

 submucosa of the uterus, leading not only to considerable 

 secretion, but also thickening of the uterine wall. 



JEtiology. — Chronic endometritis may follow an acute one. 

 Mostly it is due to certain agents in the uterine cavity acting as 

 foreign bodies. As such may be considered : Remains of the 

 afterbirth and retained not aseptic lochias. The latter often 

 accumulates on account of closure of the cervical canal. 



Sequels. — As the result of the irritation of the uterine 

 mucosa, a muco-purulent secretion follows, which mixes with 

 the contents of the uterus so that a considerable accumulation 

 of fluid may arise. This fluid varies ; in one case it is light- 

 yellow and rather thin, then again resembles pus and mucus 

 mixed, or ordinary pus ; occasionally it is of a chocolate color. 

 Depending on the type of the excretion, chronic endometritis 

 has been termed variously to indicate the observed phenomena. 

 Thus hydrometra, or dropsy of the uterus, is spoken of. The 

 fluid is then mostly clear and watery, the quantity amounting 

 to 10 to 20 1. or more. When the exudate within the uterus is 

 purulent, one speaks of a pyometra. This trouble is often seen 

 in the cow, usually being due to retention of the afterbirth. 

 The amount of accumulated pus is frequently so great, that 

 pregnancy is simulated. The mucosa of the uterus may undergo 

 such changes that it resembles a granulating surface, these 

 granulations protecting the organism against further infeotion. 



Symptoms and Course. — At first chronic endometritis is 

 characterized by insignificant symptoms. A few days after 

 birth the general health is slightly disturbed, but eight to ten 

 days later the cow apparently recovers. The owner neverthe- 

 less observes that the lacteal secretion is Limited and that the 



