850 Veterinary Obstetrics 



In addition to these predisposing causes, there may occur in- 

 filtration of the walls of the vagina and surrounding connective 

 tissue, at the time of birth, which causes the vagina to become 

 more readily displaced. The tendency is further heightened by 

 increased intra-abdominal pressure, and especially by increased 

 intra-pelvic pressure. Animals which are highly fed, especially 

 upon bulky food, must inevitably suffer to some degree from the 

 consequences of exalted intra-abdominal pressure, and if we add 

 to this a floor sloping backward, upon which the animal is con- 

 stantly kept, the pressure becomes most effective upon the pelvic 

 organs, tending constantly to press them backward toward the 

 vulva, and finally to cause their prolapse. 



A very fruitful cause of prolapse of the v^agina following par- 

 turition consists of some form of chronic irritation, either in the 

 vagina itself or in the uterine cavity. 



The most important and common cause of post-parturient 

 prolapse of the vagina is a chronic metritis, caused by retained 

 placenta. Such irritation will cause expulsive eflforts, which 

 may produce prolapse of the vagina or uterus, or both. 



Symptoms. vSometimes the prolapse appears as a reddish, 

 somewhat spherical tumor, between the lips of the vulva, which 

 may be visible only when the animal is lying down or when, for 

 any reason, she is making expulsive efforts. In other instances 

 the prolap.se is much greater, and the everted organ appears be- 

 yond the lips of the vulva. In the larger animals, the prolapsed 

 mass may be as great as 8 or 10 inches in diameter. The exter- 

 nal covering consists of mucous membrane, which may be more 

 or less disguised by the adherence of dirt or of blood clots. Its 

 surface may be blackened as a result of long exposure, or ulcera- 

 tion, suppuration or gangrene may be present. 



As the case progres.ses, the tendency is for the prolapse to be- 

 come more and more constant, so that finally the displacement of 

 the organ is continuous. The tumefaction and enlargement of 

 the prolapsed organ may become so great that its replacement is 

 difficult. The inflammation and swelling render the prolapsed 

 organ more friable and easily torn, and contact with the tail, 

 floor or walls tends to cause abrasions and lacerations. 



The patient may eat well and her general condition remain 

 good, or there may be difficulty in defecation and urination, 

 with more or less persistent straining. If the prolapse is de- 



