j\rj-:j:sj(L\ of the urEiius. 58i 



accepted as a rule. Numerous cases are on record, and particularly 

 for the Cow and Bitch, in which fecundation has taken place after this 

 accident. 



Though inversion is likely to recur after another birth, or even during 

 a succeeding pregnancy, it is not invariably so ; though to avert it cure 

 may be necessary. 



Causes. 



Inversion of the uterus generally occurs immediately after parturition, 

 and is most frequent in the Cow, whose uterine ligaments are so exten 

 sive and extensible. It usually occurs within two or three days, rarely 

 later. 



With multiparous animals, in which each uterine cornu forms a kind 

 of independent uterus, one of these may alone be inverted, the foetus 

 contained in the other cornu being retained there for some time — 

 though not without danger to its existence, should the period be much 

 prolonged. 



With uniparous animals, however, this does not take place, as the 

 uterus cannot become inverted without the fcetus being expelled. 

 Nevertheless, Aubry* has published a very curious observation regard- 

 ing a Cow, aflected with prolapse of the vagina during pregnancy, and 

 which had complete inversion of the left cornu at the end of that 

 period : but the Calf, lodged in the right cornu, and which was alive 

 and well developed, was retained there for two entire days. It was 

 then necessary to interfere and eflfect delivery, which was followed by 

 total inversion of the organ. This incident, which appears to be 

 unique, does not, however, preclude acceptance of the general rule, 

 that inversion of the uterus is absolutely incompatible with the pro- 

 longation of gestation. 



In order that this inversion can take place, it is essential that the os 

 uteri be more or less dilated ; consequently, the accident is only observed 

 in breeding animals, and either during or soon after parturition or abor- 

 tion. 



In order that it can occur, a certain degree of relaxation of the sub- 

 lumbar uterine ligaments must be present ; there must also be some 

 cause of irritation in operation after the expulsion of the fcetus, sufti- 

 cient to excite the contraction of the muscles of the uterus and lead to 

 inversion— though it is often dillicult to ascertain what this cause 

 may be. 



In very many instances pregnancy has gone on to its full term, the 

 animal is strong and healthy, birth natural and easy, and tliere is 

 nothing to indicate the advent of such an accident- when, suddenly, 

 after a few expulsive efiforts, the uterus is ejected in an inverted state. 



It has been attempted to explain the occurrence of the accident in 

 such cases, by alluding to the lymphatic temperament of the animals, 

 and their consequent laxity of tissue ; and it is often the case that 

 Cows which are " soft," and kept on food that is better suited for the 

 production of milk than flesh, are the most frequent subjects of inver- 

 sion — this sometimes occurring after each birth, though parturition was 

 perfectly normal. 



Inversion of the vagina during pregnancy h-^.s also been mentioned 

 as the cause of inversion of the uterus ; and it may be so in some 

 instances, but it certainly is not so in all. Indeed, excellent authori- 

 > RtcutUdt Midecint VeUrinaire, 1859, p. 731. 



