106 SPECIAL CATTLE THERAPY 



birth to her calf prematurely in these aggravated cases 

 there is at least danger of an eversion of the uterus 

 after parturition. 



In a small proportion of these cases the parturition 

 proceeds normally without any accompanying mishaps, 

 but the vaginal prolapse persists. In such cases the 

 prolapse sometimes becomes more extensive than be- 

 fore parturition and the constant straining finally is 

 the cause of adding a degree of rectal eversion to the 

 trouble. Only recently we saw a case of this kind. 



This cow had had a moderate vaginal prolapse be- 

 fore calving. This persisted after calving and w^ithin 

 ten days increased to complete eversion of the vagina 

 to the OS uteri, and an accompanying eversion of the 

 rectum, protruding four or five inches outside the 

 anus. 



In very mild forms of this condition no treatment 

 is required. The cow does not seem to be inconven- 

 ienced in any other respect and usually the trouble 

 ends with parturition. If it is seen, however, that the 

 mass is increasing in size treatment should not be de- 

 layed. 



Before an intelligent treatment can be applied it is 

 absolutely essential that the veterinarian make a care- 

 ful vaginal and rectal examination. In this examina- 

 tion we attempt to locate an abnormality in the region 

 which might be responsible for the condition. 



First among these abnormalities stand concretions 

 or a catarrhal condition in the sub-urethral diverticu- 

 lum. Removal of exciting concretions or catarrhal dis- 

 charges from the diverticulum, with following irriga- 

 tions of mild astringent and antiseptic solutions satis- 

 factorily terminate some cases. 



In other instances an ulcerative condition in the 

 rectum is the direct cause. This must be found; usual- 



