Pyometra in the Bitch and Cat. 895 



cow, a tendency to prolapse of the vagina. Usually the dis- 

 charge occurs while the cow is in the recumbent position, and 

 the dirt}' reddish-gray accumulation is found lying behind the 

 patient in the gutter. In cases where prolapse of the vagina 

 occurs, the discharge from the uterus may largely pass un- 

 noticed. In many cases of chronic metritis in the cow, the dis- 

 charge from the uterus is intermittent, may be comparatively 

 insignificant in volume, and therefore not readily observed. 



When such a discharge appears at the vulva, or the animal 

 seems to be in indifferent health, or is sterile, it is well for the 

 veterinarian to make a manual exploration of the uterus and de- 

 termine its condition. If chronic metritis exists, the uterus will 

 be found enlarged, according to the amount of pus retained 

 within its cavity. The amount of liquid within the uterus 

 may vary between one pint and 4 or 5 gallons. The os uteri is 

 firmly closed ; otherwise the imprisonment of the pus would not 

 be so marked. Chronic metritis in the cow constitutes an im- 

 portant cause of sterility. 



Handling. The handling of chronic metritis or pyometra in 

 the cow must be based upon the same general principles as al- 

 ready related in detail for the mare. In the disinfection of the 

 organ one may follow the method already suggested for the 

 mare, dilating the os uteri and injecting disinfectants into the 

 uterine cavity. The problem of dilating the cervical canal in 

 the cow is far more difficult than in the mare, becau.se of ana- 

 tomical conditions. The treatment consequently requires more 

 time and effort than in the mare. 



A second plan for dealing with chronic metritis or pyometra 

 in the cow has been proposed by Hess, and already described 

 while discussing the subject of sterility on page 224. According 

 to Hess, his plan of handling pyometra by pressing out the per- 

 sistent yellow body of the ovary, and then applying ma.ssage to 

 the uterus from before backward, has been followed by gratify- 

 ing results. This plan has proven effective in our hands. 



c. Pyometra in the Bitch and Cat. 



In the bitch and cat, pyometra seems most common in those 

 animals which have been bred and later excluded from breeding, 

 but may occur in animals which have not been bred at all. 



The symptoms are very similar to those already noted in the 



