222 DISEASES OF CATTLE. 



LEUCORRHEA (MUCOPURULENT DISCHARGE FROM THE 



PASSAGES). 



This is from a continued or chronic inflammation of the womb, or 

 the vagina, or both. It usually results from injuries sustained in 

 calving or from irritation by putrid matters in connection with re- 

 tained afterbirth, or from the use of some object in the vagina 

 (pessary) to prevent eversion of the womb. Exposure to cold or 

 other cause of disturbance of the health may affect an organ so sus- 

 ceptible as this at the time of parturition so as to cause inflammation. 



Symptoms. — The main symptom is the glairy, white discharge 

 flowing constantly or intermittently (when the cow lies down), 

 soiling the tail and matting its hairs and those of the vulva. When 

 the lips of the vulva are drawn apart the mucous membrane is seen 

 to be red, with minute elevations, or pale and smooth. The health 

 may not suffer at first, but if the discharge continues and is putrid 

 the health fails, the milk shrinks, and flesh is lost. If the womb is 

 involved the hand introduced into the vagina may detect the mouth 

 of the womb slightly open and the liquid collected within its cavity. 

 Examination with the oiled hand in the rectum may detect the out- 

 line of the womb beneath, somewhat enlarged, and fluctuating under 

 the touch from contained fluid. In some cases heat is more frequent 

 or intense than natural, but the animal rarely conceives when served, 

 and, if she does, is liable to abort. 



TreatTTient. — Treatment with the injections advised for vaginitis is 

 successful in mild or recent cases. In obstinate ones stronger solu- 

 tions may be used after the womb has been washed out by a stream 

 of tepid water until it comes clear. A rubber tube is inserted into 

 the womb, a funnel placed in its raised end, and the water, and after- 

 wards the solution, poured slowly through it. If the neck of the 

 womb is so close that the liquid can not escape, a second tube may 

 be inserted to drain it off. As injections may be used chlorid of 

 zinc, one-half dram to the quart of water, or sulphate of iron, 1 dram 

 to the quart. Three drams of sulphate of iron and one-half ounce 

 groimd ginger may also be given in the feed daily. 



INFLAMMATION OF THE WOMB (METRITIS, INFLAMMATION OF 

 WOMB AND ABDOMEN, OR METROPERITONITIS). 



Inflammation of the womb may be slight or violent, simple or asso- 

 ciated with putrefaction of its liquid contents and general poisoning, 

 or it may extend so that the inflammation affects the lining membrane 

 of the whole abdominal cavity. In the last two cases the malady is a 

 very grave one. 



Causes. — The causes are largely the same as those causing inflam- 

 mation of the vagina. Greater importance must, however, be at- 

 tached to exposure to cold and wet and to septic infection. 



