io82 Veterinary Obstetrics 



disease increases, the irritation of the mucosa and the abundance 

 of granules tend to increase. 



The granules are best observed by refracted light. The vulvar 

 lips are readily parted with the fingers, when the granules are 

 easily observed upon some portion of the mucosa, usually best 

 on the side opposite to the observer. Changes in position and 

 the obliquity of the illumination aid in bringing the granules in- 

 to clear vision. In fair daylight, with the vulva of the animal 

 directly or obliquely facing an open door or a window, ample 

 illumination of the vulva is afforded, when the lips are parted. 

 In dark stables, on a dark day, or at night, the vulva may be 

 conveniently and amply illuminated with the aid of a good 

 stable lantern. A good reflecting lamp or lantern is even better, 

 and affords an illumination equal to sun-light. The ordinary 

 small electric hand lamp with a dry battery gives an ideal light 

 at night or in dark stables. When the granules extend over 

 the entire circumference of the vagina, they may be best ob- 

 served by holding the vulvar lips well apart and looking along 

 the vaginal roof, when the granules will stand out very boldly. 



The granules differ greatly in color. In the intensely in- 

 flamed cases, the granules usually partake of the deep injection 

 of the surrounding mucosa, but are somewhat lighter in color 

 and show a tendency towards transparency. In cases where no 

 great irritation is present, the granules stand out prominently, 

 as more or less translucent, hemispherical elevations. They 

 are especially prominent in virgin heifers. 



When parturition or abortion is near, and the vulva becomes 

 edematous, the granules disappear from view. They apparently 

 do not cease to exist, but the general edematous condition hides 

 them and produces an even surface as seen in Plate II, Fig. 4. 

 So far as we have investigated, we are unable to detect the 

 disease clinically at this period. In two or three weeks after 

 abortion or parturition, the granules again become visible. 



The degree of irritation in the vulvar mucosa is not directly 

 dependent upon the numbers of granules present, though in gen- 

 eral the greater the number of granules, the more intense the 

 inflammation of the mucosa. In some cases, especially after re- 

 peated irrigations with antiseptics, the vaginal mucosa is normal 

 or even pale in color. In severe cases, the mucosa is intensely 



