DISEASES OF THE GENERATIVE ORGANS 85 



membrane and has a very disagreeable odor. In the mare, acute 

 inflammation of the womb may result if the removal of the 

 '^after-birth" is neglected. Loss of appetite, abnormal body 

 temperature, weakness and diarrhoea may follow. Such cases 

 usually terminate in death. Retention of the fetal membranes is 

 a very common cause of leucorrhcea. 



Tlie treatment consists in completely removing the fetal en- 

 velopes soon after birth, unless they are firmly attached to a 

 large surface .of the womb. When the attachments have not 

 separated, it is not advisable to tear them loose because of the 

 danger from hemorrhage and infection, and to avoid these com- 

 plications special attention is necessary. 



In the mare the fetal envelopes are usually removed within 

 a few hours after birth. In the cow it is not uncommon to wait 

 from twenty-four to forty-eight hours before removing them. 



The only successful method is to remove them with the hand. 

 In the large animals the hand and arm is introduced into the 

 maternal passages and womb, and the attachments broken loose 

 with the fingers. Every precaution should be taken to avoid the 

 introduction of disease-producing germs into the parts. It is 

 advisable to flush out the womb with a disinfecting solution fol- 

 lowing the removal of fetal envelopes. 



Leucorrhoea. — This is a chronic inflammation of the mucous 

 membrane lining the genital tract, that is associated with more 

 or less of a discharge from the vulva. It is common in animals 

 that abort, or retain the "after-birth." 



The discharge may be white, sticky, albuminous, and with- 

 out odor, or chocolate colored and foul smelling. The tail and 

 hind parts are usually soiled with it. In chronic inflammation 

 of the womb the discharge is intermittent. In mild cases the 

 health of the animal is in no way impaired. Sterility is com- 

 mon. Loss of appetite and unthriftiness occur in severe cases. 



Treatment. — Mild cases readily yield to treatment. This 

 consists in irrigating the maternal passages with a one-half per 



