Diseases of the Organs of Generation. 221 



hot and greatly swollen, and a more or less thick, grumous, 

 coloured, and offensive fluid flows from the vagina. 

 Ulcers have also formed, and a croupous exudate covers 

 the surface. When peritonitis is present, the abdomen 

 enlarges from internal effusion of serum, the symptoms 

 are more intense, and death follows in three to six 

 days, usually by coma or convulsions. Recovery in some 

 instances is marvellously rapid. The animal is apparently 

 in approaching dissolution and an utterly hopeless con- 

 dition, being left to die. A few hours later she is found 

 bright and cheerful ; death has been disappointed of his 

 victim, and the first stage towards recovery is thus accom- 

 plished. The most careful treatment is needed, otherwise 

 the state may soon become critical and quickly fatal. 

 The disease is also liable to assume chronic states, and 

 the uterus is filled with fluid which escapes when the 

 sufferer lies down, during the passage of faeces, or in 

 straining during colic. In this stage the system suffers 

 acutely from weakness, loss of condition, or unusual ner- 

 vous excitement, and the end is caused by pyaemia being 

 established. 



Treatment must be prompt and decisive at the outset. 

 Administer a brisk aperient, No. 2 or 3. Time will be 

 gained by using the following : Solution of aloes, 6 to 10 

 oz. • tincture of aconite, 5 to 15 drops; aromatic spirits 

 of ammonia, 1 oz. in cold water, 1 pint. When blood- 

 poisoning is present, omit the aromatic spirits of ammonia. 

 Wash out the vagina w r ith warm water, to which " Sanitas" 

 oil is added, and frequently inject the same afterwards. 

 The operator will require to exercise care against infec- 

 tion if he have raw surfaces, «x:c, on his hands. When 

 the bowels have responded, give hyposulphites of soda or 

 potash with aromatic spirits of ammonia, and when the 

 state of the pulse and temperature will admit, give mineral 

 tonics, No. 1 or 2. 



In chronic states evacuate the uterus by means of a 

 tube attached to Reid's pump ; promote contraction by 

 ergot of rye and stimulants ; later, give mineral tonics as 

 above advised. 



Prevention, — Remove all healthy animals from the 



