DISEASES OF THE GENITAL ORGANS. 287 



Prognosis. This is bad when it follows parturition, 

 and when there is a tendency to blood-poisoning, suppres- 

 sion of milk, etc. 



Pathology. The lining mucous membrane is first af- 

 fected, and there is a tendency to a condition not unlike 

 that often seen in the large bowel in the worst cases of 

 dysentery. Parts of the membrane are apt to die. It 

 may be that a portion of attached placenta is putrefying, 

 and poisoning the whole system, or a sort of diphtheritic 

 condition may arise which is often fatal. 



Treatment. The indications are to remove the cause, 

 if attached placenta, blood-clots, etc. It may be possible 

 to insert the hand and remove these, though not likely, 

 when reliance must be placed on antiseptic injections, 

 relieving pain, controlling fever, supplying concentrated 

 nourishment, tonics, and often stimulants. 



In a bad case of metritis, if there be nursing puppies 

 they should be removed from within sight and hearing of 

 the dam. If ever the gentlest and most soothing treat- 

 ment is called for it is in such a case. 



Unfortunately only too often, the stomach quite gives 

 out, when food must be injected by the rectum. 



The uterus may be washed out frequently with such 

 antiseptic injections as are recommended in vaginal pro- 

 lapse. These may have sedatives added if there be indica- 

 tions of pain. 



Fomentations, very hot, frequently changed and medi- 

 cated with opiates, etc., applied over the uterus as directly 

 as possible, are of great service. 



Quinine, in doses of four to six grains three to four 

 times a day, is often called for, and, when blood-poisoning 



