478 



Diseases of the Ge>iitaf Organs 



cal period. The recognition becomes largely a question of 

 chance. Most embryonic deaths pass unseen. In such early 

 deaths the embryonic sac is by far the greatest and most 

 conspicuous part. Frequently the embryo dies and all traces 

 of it disappear while its sac persists and apparently con- 

 tinues to grow. The embryonic sac retains its usual form, 

 but is without evident placental structure, and apparently 

 maintains its growth and existence by absorption of liquids 

 from the uterine cavity. One of these is illustrated in Fig. 



Fig. 169 — Cystic Mole. 

 Total length 46 inches ; circumference, 7 inches. At the top of the gravid 

 branch of the fetal sac is seen a thickened spot, apparently marking the 

 former location, of the embryo. Compare with colored plate II. At the 

 cervical end of the uterus, the embryonic sac is necrotic and desiccated. 

 The necrotic tips are prominent. .Sac removed 200 days after conception. 



169. In this instance there remains a thickened area which 

 faintly suggests the prior location of the embryo. The cow 

 was examined at about sixty days after coitus and pro- 

 nounced pregnant. The cervical canal was sealed, the uterus 

 enlarged and distended in a manner typical of pregnancy of 

 that duration, a typical corpus luteum of pregnancy was 

 present, and estrum was absent. The general signs of preg- 

 nancy failed to advance parallel to the duration of time. 

 Later an examination disclosed the nature of the condition, 

 and the "mole" was removed. 



