Adhesions of the Vaginal Walls 267 



ir. Adhesions of the Vaginal Walls. Atresia 

 Vagina 



We have already stated on page 95, while describing the 

 venereal diseases of the cow, that adhesions sometimes 

 occur between the vaginal walls, as a result of these affections. 

 This seems to be especially true of the vesicular venereal disease 

 in the cow. We have observed one case of adhesion of the vagi- 

 nal walls in the mare, but were unable to procure a history of 

 the case or otherwise determine its cause. In another instance 

 in the mare, the vaginal adhesion resulted from vaginitis follow- 

 ing puerperal infection. 



In all cases of firm, extensive adhesions of the walls of the 

 vagina, copulation becomes impossible and more or less serious 

 injuries are liable to occur to the female, and possibly also to the 

 male, from any attempts at coition. One mare which we ob- 

 served was bred to a stallion during estrum and, on account of 

 extensive vaginal adhesions, the vagina was somewhat lacerated 

 and greatly irritated. The severe irritation caused violent 

 straining, which brought about a prolapse of the floor of the 

 vagina and, with it, the urinary bladder (vesico-vaginocele). 

 This prolapse persisted for some time in spite of all efforts to over- 

 come it. At first we attempted to overcome the prolapse by means 

 of a rope truss. This failed and we resorted to vulvar sutures, but 

 the straining was so violent that they were being torn out and 

 were consequently removed, in order to avoid extensive lacera- 

 tions. The straining was finally controlled by producing deep 

 anaesthesia with chloral hydrate, for a period of four or five 

 hours, during which time the local irritation subsided. 



As a general rule, these adhesions of the vagina are beyond 

 surgical aid. In handling cases of vaginitis, from whatever cau.se, 

 highly irritant antiseptics, which might injure or destroy the 

 external layers of the mucous membrane, should be carefully 

 avoided, in order to anticipate such adhesions of the parts, 

 which may permanently prevent breeding by making copulation 

 impossible. 



12. Vulvar Atresia. 



In some cases of inflammation of the genital tract from vener- 

 eal diseases, as well as from traumatic injuries or other diseases 

 in the parts, the opening of the vulva may become .so constricted 



