XXV. 

 DISEASES OF THE FEMALE ORGANS OF GENERATION. 



METRITIS. . 



Metritis, or inflammation of the womb, occurs in all mammalia. 

 In the mare it is usually a result of improper obstetrical instru- 

 ments during the act of parturition. It may be caused by ex- 

 posure to cold or damp weather soon after foaling. If the whole 

 of the womb surface is affected, death will probably be the ter- 

 mination. 



Symptoms. — First, an uneasiness, which increases. Soon the 

 animal will lie down and roll. There will be arching of the back, 

 an increased temperature and pulse beats. The appetite is lost, 

 bowels constipated, and urine is passed frequently. Occasionally 

 a reddish or brownish fluid escapes from the vagina. The coun- 

 tenance becomes anxious, and sweat breaks out on the body. 

 Examination per rectum or through the vagina reveals increased 

 heat of the womb. Inflammation of the woml) in the virgin ani- 

 mal rarely or never occurs. 



Treatmext. — If the pulse is strong and bounding, twenty 

 drops of the tincture of aconite should be used. Opium pulver- 

 ized in drachm doses should be given to allay pain. Belladonna 

 in drachm doses or the hypodermic injection of morphia may be 

 used for the same purpose. Enemas of tepid water should be 

 freely used. Tlie cavity of the uterus should also be injected 

 with tepid water containing a little tincture of opium. Warm 

 fomentations to the abdomen over the region of the womb are 

 beneficial. If the discharge continues, the wond) .should be in- 

 jected three times a day with one part of carbolic acid to forty 

 parts of water; or a weak solution of sulphate of zinc may be 

 injected — four drachms of zinc to a pint of water. 

 21 ( 821 ) 



