266 VETERINARY STUDIES 



Treatment. — Cleanse the protruding uterus thoroughly with 

 hot water and invert it over the hand and arm. Be careful to 

 smooth out each fold and leave the uterus in a natural posi- 

 tion. If the organ is greatly swollen and heavy, bathe it in 

 cold astringent solutions, like strong alum water, until the size 

 is sufficiently reduced to permit replacement. A clean, com- 

 mon washtub is very convenient for bathing the soiled and 

 swollen uterus. 



Bandaging very firmly with a wide roller of muslin forces 

 out much of the blood, reduces the bulk, and allows handling 

 of the uterus without injury. The bandage should be wide, and 

 be rolled from both ends. To put on the bandage, begin with 

 the middle of the bandage at the end of the uterus and carry 

 the ends around in opposite directions, pulling firmly all the 

 time so as to force the blood back into the general circulation. 

 In very troublesome cases it may be advisable to first throw a 

 cow carefully, then hoist her hind parts by pulleys and ropes 

 until only the shoulders and neck rest upon the floor. The 

 rope should be attached by hopples or otherwise just above the 

 ankles, and suitable provision made so as to avoid injury to the 

 skin and underlying parts. A good hopple strap will usually 

 do very well. Ordinary rope could be used with several thick- 

 nesses of heavy cloth or a flat pad of oakum inside of the rope 

 to protect the skin. In this position the uterus of a very 

 troublesome case may usually be replaced easily, and no harm 

 is done to the cow if she is carefully handled. After replacing, 

 it is sometimes advisable to pack the uterus with cotton and 

 close the outlet by means of sutures through the vulva, or to 

 put on a rope truss. 



Finally give the cow 3 oz. tincture of opium and 2 oz. bromid 

 of potassium in i/^ pint of sirup. Give a mare two thirds of 

 this dose and the ewe one eighth. Repeat the dose in three 

 hours if the animal is still straining. If necessary, apply rope 

 truss as shown in classroom. 



Tear or bruise in vagina. — A vagina may be torn above or 

 below by excessive size of the fetus, by faulty position of the 

 fetus, or by excessive force used in delivery. Infection and 

 inflammation (vaginitis) then follow. This is indicated by 

 unusual swelling of the vulva with dark and discharging mu- 

 cous membrane. This discharge soon has foul odor. Slight cases 

 usually make prompt recovery under hot water irrigation or 



