Rectal Palpation 95 



and volume of the uterus of the heifer. Estrum, pregnancy, 

 and disease alter profoundly the volume, form, position, and 

 consistency. Whatever the changes may be, the basic prin- 

 ciples in recognition are the continuity with the vagina and 

 cervix and the fundamental position, attachments, and re- 

 lations. 



b. The Oviduct. The healthy oviducts are difficult of rec- 

 ognition by rectal palpation, but under favorable conditions 

 are recognizable. They are less than one-eighth inch in 

 diameter, sinuous, very smooth and firm. Arising almost 

 imperceptibly from the apex of the cornu, they pass lateral- 

 ward, in front of and below the ovaries embedded in the 

 ovarian ventricle or pocket of the broad ligament, as shown 

 in Fig. 13. 



Passing beyond the outer or lateral extremity of the 

 ovary, it bends inward, or medianward, so that the pavilion 

 of the tube presents toward the antero-lateral surface of 

 that gland, with one of the fimbriae of the pavilion attached 

 to the lateral end of the ovary. When either pyosalpinx or 

 hydrosalpinx is present, the tube becomes distinctly en- 

 larged and usually readily palpable. The distension of its 

 lumen or the thickening of its walls increases not only its 

 transverse diameter but also its length. It then becomes 

 readily recognizable by palpation per rectum in almost 

 every case. Generally the infection involves the pavilion 

 and also the ovarian pocket, causing them to become ad- 

 herent to the ovary in varying degrees. 



c. The Ovary. The palpation of the ovaries per rectum 

 logically follows the examination of the oviducts. The 

 glands, which in the cow physiologically lie approximately 

 in the position indicated in Fig. 13, are to be recognized by 

 their size, form, consistence, and attachments. In the 

 healthy, non-pregnant heifer or cow, the ovary usually lies 

 lateral to and somewhat below the dorsal border of the base 

 of the uterine cornu, between it and the ascending, lateral 

 portion of the pubis. Usually it lies upon the pubic floor, 

 near the brim, or just beyond in the abdominal cavity, at or 

 slightly below the brim of the pubis. Pregnancy and dis- 



