PUEltPEKAL INFECTION 339 



JEtiology. — The infection is usually produced by decompos- 

 ing foetuses (emphysematous foetus) or secundines. It follows 

 when low organisms enter through uterine wounds. 



It seems that the venous thrombi met with during the 

 process of involution offer a favorable medium for germs ; from 

 here poisonous agents may enter the circulation at any time, 

 followed by serious symptoms of disease. 



Symptoms.— Septic metritis, as a rule, sets in three or four 

 days after parturition. In most cases the afterbirth is still 

 united to the uterus. This is almost invariably so after the 

 birth of emphysematous calves. The general health is very 

 good the first few days following birth. A disturbed general 

 health is observed on the third or fourth day, appetite dimin- 

 ishes, lacteal secretion decreases, the temperature rises (39.5- 

 40.5 deg. C), the pulse is often normal, at times slightly accele- 

 rated. The animal occasionally strains and moans. The right 

 abdominal wall is sensitive to pressure. 



The vulva, as a rule, is not swollen. On examination, the 

 cervix is found open, so that the hand can be passed into the 

 uterus. The parturient passage feels hot. In the uterus are 

 found, besides remains of the afterbirth a fetid, chocolate 

 colored liquid. Uterine involution is not far advanced. There 

 is still a considerable lumen present. The mucosa is covered 

 here and there with a croupous exudate. 



Pathological Anatomy. — The decomposing afterbirth or its 

 remains are still connected here and there with the cotyledons. 

 It happens occasionally a diphtheritic exudate is found upon 

 the cotyledons and between them. The cotyledons, same as in 

 normal involution, have decreased in size and undergone fatty 

 degeneration. 



The uterine mucous membrane shows on many places 

 hemorrhages in the shape of petechia?, but also large, diffuse, 

 red spots, especially in the fundus uteri. The submucosa is 

 thickened and cedematous. On section, a yellowish fluid is 

 discharged. An exudate is also observed between the longi- 

 tudinal and circular muscular layers. The serosa of the uterus 

 shows punctiform hemorrhages. A gelatinous exudate is 



