Vaginal Gangrene 647 



tus in twenty-four to forty-eight hours. However vagi- 

 nitis may arise, the general principles of handling demand 

 the elimination of the cause, followed by the application of 

 those measures which may allay the irritation. If the vagi- 

 nitis is a consequence of severe metritis or cervicitis, these 

 must first be brought under control before any progress can 

 be made in overcoming the vaginal lesions. When vaginitis 

 is dependent upon chemical irritants, such as too powerful 

 disinfectants, they are to be promptly withdrawn and sooth- 

 ing applications substituted. Of these, douches of warm 0.7 

 per cent, salt solution (1 oz. salt to 1 gal. boiled water) have 

 probably the greatest value. In some cases 0.25 per cent, 

 of Lugol's solution, or 2 to 4 per cent, boric acid may be ad- 

 vantageously added. When irritant disinfectants have been 

 introduced, causing denudation of the epithelium, a heavy 

 ointment or an oil, like liquid paraffin with iodoform, sub- 

 nitrate of bismuth, or both may be applied with benefit. 

 Here every effort should be made to counteract the chief 

 peril — vaginal atresia. This object will be furthered by 

 dilating the vagina daily with the warm saline solution, fol- 

 lowed by the oil or ointment with iodoform, etc. 



The intense vaginitis often following coitus in heifers is 

 best prevented by douching the vagina six to twelve hours 

 after coitus with 0.25 per cent. Lugol's solution, repeating 

 in twenty-four hours if necessary. 



B. Vaginal Gangrene. 

 There appear from time to time records of vaginal gan- 

 grene in cows during the puerperal period. In some in- 

 stances the records almost suggest a special or specific type 

 of infection, but there is nothing definite upon which to base 

 a conclusion. In the presence of an intense infection of the 

 cervix or uterus, associated perhaps with retained fetal 

 membranes and extensive parturient abrasions in the vagi- 

 nal walls, gangrene of the vagina is always a possibility. 

 The tendency to gangrene is increased by rough work in re- 

 lieving dystocia and by the use of highly irritant vaginal 

 douches. Although it may sound paradoxical, one of the 

 easiest ways to cause vaginal gangrene is by the misuse of 

 powerful antiseptics. 



