350 MATERNAL DYSTOKIA. 



vagina and vulva, the infiltration of blood extending to the perinoeum. 

 This tumefaction proved an obstacle to parturition ; so that it was 

 necessary to open it freely, and take away the clots of blood which had 

 formed. The htemorrhage which ensued was checked by the injection 

 of a solution of perchloride of iron. 



Saake has observed these blood-cysts most frequently in Swine ; death 

 from ha3morrhage has sometimes resulted from their rupture. 



The application of ice or cold water, or perchloride ofiron, or even the 

 actual cautery, and plugging the vaginal canal, will generally arrest the 

 bleeding. 



SEROUS CYSTS. 



Kopp, Hering, Ayrault, Lafosse, Liautard, Miiller, and others, have 

 observed serous cysts on the vaginal mucous membrane, and even in the 

 uterus, of the Mare and Cow. 



The vaginal cysts are of variable size, but most frequently as large as 

 a pear, which they are generally not unlike in shape. They are attached 

 to the mucous membrane by a very narrow pedicle, and in some in- 

 stances appear between the labia of the vulva when the animal is re- 

 clining, but disappear again into the vagina when the standing posture 

 is assumed ; though occasionally they are so large that they cannot 

 return without assistance. 



The cyst is smooth and transparent, and contains a clear limpid 

 serosity, in which albuminous flakes are often observed. 



Not infrequently the glands of Bartholin in the vagina of the Cow 

 are greatly distended with mucus, serum, or even pus, as a result of 

 inflammation. 



Such cysts are not likely to retard parturition, and if they should, 

 their treatment is very simple ; as a lancet puncture sufiices to 

 evacuate the fluid they contain, and the walls readily adhere and 

 cicatrise. 



Hering has seen them occupy the vagina and extend into the uterus ; 

 and in the latter organ their presence may be more serious than when 

 they are limited to the vagina. They may prove troublesome obstacles 

 to delivery, as well as dangerous to the animal in whose uterus they have 

 formed. 



When the cyst is attached to the cervix or its neighbourhood, it may 

 pass into the os and obstruct it, and thus prevent the foetus passing 

 through. "When very large it may so closely simulate the " water-bag," 

 as to be mistaken for it— though the mistake need not lead to grave 

 results ; indeed, if ruptured the cyst immediately collapses, and can no 

 longer prove a iDarrier to the expulsion of the foetus. If the cyst is 

 situated towards the os, and if puncturing it be deemed inadvisable, 

 pushing it beyond the pelvic inlet out of the track of the foetus will be 

 sufficient to overcome the obstacle. 



Vaginal cysts may be mistaken for an everted bladder : a mistake 

 which we are assured is often committed, from the external aspect of 

 the tumour, its oval shape, and its colour. Of course, this mistake 

 would prove most unfortunate, if the treatment we have recom- 

 mended be adopted ; but a careful examination should always be made 

 before any active interference is attempted, and this examination will 

 obviate such an error. 



Hernia of the bladder through the ruptured walls of the vagina, may 

 also simulate a vaginal cyst ; and if it be punctured in this position it 



