THE DISEASES OF CATTLE. 18c 



INVERSION OF THE UTERUS. 



This sad accident is generally occasioned by extra uterine ex- 

 pulsive action, at the moment of the birth of the calf, aided by 

 adhesions of the placenta to the cotyledons ; by which means, 

 in the process of delivery, the uterus is actually turned 

 inside out. The relaxation of the ligaments, which ordinarily 

 confine the uterus to the pelvic cavity, may be one among the 

 various causes which tend to induce inversion. The accident, 

 so far as my experience goes, is apt to occur in animals of an 

 inferior class, coarse and flabbily organized, and among others 

 in a debilitated condition. The only way to prevent a recur- 

 rence of inversion is to spay the cow. 



Treatment of inversion of the uterus. — The old method of 

 introducing the arm, in order to force back the protruded parts, 

 is now superceded by a bulbous rod of iron (see cut of instru- 

 ments), which must be applied to the fundus or base of the 

 womb ; a due amount of pressure being steadily made, an 

 assistant manipulates the sides, and fhe womb is re-inverted ; 

 sometimes it is very difficult to get the womb back, in 

 consequence of latent uterine action ; which convulsively 

 resists our efforts, and violently sends it out again at the 

 moment of return. 



Should the convulsive action of the uterus continue any great 

 length of time, I should etherize the animal and when fully 

 under its influence, the reduction may again be attempted and 

 probably consummated. 



The instrument, should be kept in the womb for some time 

 after reduction, so as to give the muscular fibres of its walls 

 time enough to contract, and it may be necessary, to have a man 

 in attendance for a whole day or more, in view of accomplish- 

 ing this result. 



So soon as the reduction is complete I should sponge the 

 loins often with cold water, or a better plan, perhaps, would be 

 to pack the loins after the fashion of hydropathy ; the loins 

 and abdomen will by this method receive considerable support, 

 which will be favorable to induce contractile power in the 

 uterus. 



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