336 BOVINE OBSTETEICS 



obtained in about three weeks. Of course even this method 

 occasionally fails in very old cases. 



When the cervical canal cannot be dilated from the vagina, 

 and rectal examination proves the uterus excessively rilled and 

 distended, it may be punctured with a trocar through the abdo- 

 minal parietes. It has frequently only a palliative effect — that 

 is, the fluid can be evacuated but accumulates again — but cases 

 are known where the animal improved greatly after tapping 

 the uterus. The cow stands the operation well. 



Wester (Holland) reports a case he observed in a cow 

 where the cervical canal could not be opened at all. Rectal 

 examination revealed the uterus greatly distended by fluid. On 

 puncturing the uterus he evacuated 90 1. of stinking pus. 

 Through a rubber tube and funnel attached to the cannula, a 

 creolin solution was introduced into the uterus. After the 

 liquid thus introduced had flowed off through the cannula the 

 trocar was withdrawn and the abdominal wall vigorously com- 

 pressed. After the operation the cow did not develop any 

 peritonitis. In the following month the animal gradually 

 improved. After that fluid again accumulated in the uterus. 

 The animal became emaciated, so that the owner finally decided 

 upon slaughter. 



6.— Puerperal Infection. 



(«) SEPTIC INFECTION. 

 1. Puerperal P/ihymon. 



Definition. — By it is understood a phlegmonous inflamma- 

 tion of the vulva and vagina, arising during the puerperal state, 

 characterized by extraordinary swelling. 



jffiliohgy. — Infection during parturition. Small wounds Oil 

 the labia) or in the vagina arc to be looked upon as the sources 

 of infection. Almost at each birth, with or without manual 

 interference, injuries of a superficial or intensive nature occur. 



Bruises form especially favorable factors for infection. In 

 the bruised tissues all around the wound the circulation is 

 disturbed. 



