824 Veterifiary Obstetrics 



In multipara but one horn is usually involved, because its prolapse 

 through the body of the uterus prevents the other horn from 

 becoming everted. 



Symptoms. The inversion usually begins in one of the 

 cornua, whether in a uniparous or a muciparous animal. When 

 the displacement has proceeded to only a very limited degree, the 

 chief symptom observed is that of expulsive efforts, which 

 differ very little, except in intensity, from tho.se of parturition. 

 There is more or less uneasiness on the part of the animal, with 

 some symptoms of colic, as .shown by kicking at the belly and 

 looking toward the side. These, combined with expulsive efforts, 

 should direct attention at once to the uterus. 



In the larger domestic animals, where the uterus can be readily 

 examined with the hand, a careful search at this stage will reveal 

 the gravid cornu occluded at some point in its length by a rather 

 hard projection into its canal. Upon examining this projection 

 it will be found that there is an opening in its center, and also 

 that the fingers may be passed around between the tumor and the 

 direct wall of the cornu. A further study of the conditions 

 pre.sent will show the obstetrist that he is dealing with a begin- 

 ning inversion of the cornu. 



If measures are not at once taken to remedy the displacement, 

 the constant tendency is for the intu.ssusception to extend toward 

 and involve the body of the uterus and the vagina, and later ap- 

 pear at the vulva, to soon pass beyond and project as a large 

 bleeding mass. The prolapsed uterus is characteristic in ap- 

 pearance, and should not be mistaken for any other organ. It 

 may still be covered by retained fetal membranes, which should 

 be readily distinguished. In ruminants the cotyledons are very 

 x:onspicuous, and serve to fully reveal the character of the 

 accident. 



In the mare the mucous surface of the uterus has a dark red, 

 velvety appearance, and is studded thickly over with the placental 

 villi. To the inexperienced, the appearance of the chorion may 

 cause confusion between this membrane and the mucous surface 

 of the uterus. They are well-nigh identical in their general ap- 

 pearance, and can be distinguished only by a careful examination. 

 Especially is this true when the chorion is being expelled 

 right side out, instead of being everted, as usual, during 

 its expulsion. 



