ioo8 Veterinary Obstetrics 



of two, three or four inches, or even more. If the infection has 

 been arrested in the umbilic ring, the probe cannot pass be- 

 yond it. 



The behavior of the case will depend primarily upon the degree 

 of extension of the infection. It may be confined chiefly or 

 wholly to the umbilicus itself, to constitute simple omphalitis ; 

 or it may pass beyond the umbilicus, in the lumen of the umbilic 

 vessels, and the infecting agent and its products gain entrance 

 into the blood stream, by which they may be carried to distant 

 parts, to produce septic or pysemic disturbances of a grave char- 

 acter, which we recognize as omphalo-phlebitis or pyosepthaemia 

 of the neiv-born. 



It is an important clinical fact that the gravity of navel 

 infection is usually in inverse proportion to the local dis- 

 turbances If the local changes are great, inducing severe local 

 omphalitis, the systemic disturbances are usually unimportant ; 

 if the infection gains admission to the umbilic veins, and thence 

 enters the general circulation, the local disturbances may be com- 

 paratively insignificant, while the sepsis or pyaemia is exceed- 

 ingly grave. 



When the infection remains localized in the umbilicus itself, 

 the part becomes swollen, somewhat tender to the touch, and 

 soon suppurates. Small abscesses form in and about the um- 

 bilicus, which open and discharge pus. The ab.sce.sses may be 

 followed by fistulse of varying lengths, into which a probe may 

 be passed for a distance of one, two or more inches. Sometimes the 

 fistula may consist of the suppurating walls of the umbilic vein 

 or artery. The swelling from local umbilic infection may be 

 very great, sometimes offering a sharp, hemi.spherical swelling, 

 4-6 inches in diameter. 



The course of such local infection is usually chronic, continuing 

 for week after week. A somewhat limited amount of pus is dis- 

 charged, which is generally of an ordinary consistency, without 

 odor. Such an inflammation does not involve the general well- 

 being of the young animal ; it takes its food in the normal man- 

 ner and amount, its digestion is undisturbed, it is playful, and 

 its growth is usually unaffected. 



When the infection, instead of expending its virulence upon 

 the tissues of the umbilicus, gains admission to the open umbilic 

 vein and extends along its course toward the heart, and the 



