ENDOMETRITIS 335 



animal remains emaciated while feeding well. After this state 

 of affairs has lasted some weeks, he occasionally notices in the 

 stable behind the cow a muco-purulent mass, which on closer 

 examination comes out of the vulva. The discharge may be so 

 plentiful that a large amount is found every morning. 



When the hand and arm are passed into the vagina the 

 cervix is found apparently closed. The finger cannot enter and 

 one possibly surmises the discharge of vaginal origin. This, 

 of course, is incorrect. The fluid comes out of the uterus and 

 is evacuated through the cervix by the uterine contractions, as 

 the cervix easily opens by pressure from within outwards, but 

 not in the opposite direction. On rectal examination the 

 uterus filled with liquid often feels like an elastic ball. This 

 disease, where quite an amount of pus or purulent mucus is 

 discharged, is termed leucorrhoea or fluor albus. Such a state 

 may persist for months, the cow gradually becoming emaciated, 

 depending on the intensity and extent of the disease. 



Prognosis.— This depends on the length of time the malady 

 existed, as well as on any complications which may be present 

 (see " Polyarthritis "). When the discharge is only of a few 

 weeks' standing and the secretions become slimy, a favorable 

 prognosis may be put ; often recovery sets in without any treat- 

 ment. An extensive pyometra, with subsequent marked emaci- 

 ation, calls for an unfavorable prognosis. 



Therapeutics. — This endeavors to evacuate the uterus and 

 to induce contractions by local treatment with antiseptic and 

 astringent means. The uterus is best emptied by mechanical 

 dilatation of the cervical canal. This requires lots of patience 

 and repeated manipulations. To treat the uterus locally, a 

 straight catheter is passed into the uterus through the cervix, 

 attaching on its free end a rubber tube and funnel. The uterine 

 cavity is first flushed with warm water, followed by a 2 per 

 cent, boric acid solution. After one or two days the uterus is 

 irrigated with a 2 per cent, alum solution, to be repeated every 

 other day. The injected fluid remains in the uterus for 10 to 

 15 minutes, when it is evacuated by lowering the rubber tube, 

 this acting like a syphon. In this way decided improvement is 



