JM'KJ^SP'.y I IF THE I'AHiyj. 606 



Siimptoins. 



Of course, the chief symptom of this accident is the presence of a 

 tumour protruding from between the labia of tlie vulva, and which may 

 hang for some distance below that opening. In tills respect it resembles 

 inversion of the uterus, though the dilTerence is otherwise very marked. 

 In the majority of cases the tumour is most voluminous when the 

 animal is lying, and can then be best examined. It is circular in out- 

 line, varies in size from that of an apple to the dimensions of a large 

 melon, and is not unlike a sausage in shape; the surface is smooth, 

 more or less of a deep red colour streaked with darker patches, and 

 covered by a thick white nmcus or a fibrinous exudate ; in other cases 

 it is inrtamed, excoriated by the tail or litter, and covered with foreign 

 matters. There are no traces of cotyledons or placental follicles. 

 On the under surface of the tumour is obsenx'd a longitudinal depres- 

 sion or furrow, which leads to the urethra. At its end is a round 

 opening, into which the finger can be passed as far as the os uteri, 

 which will be found either completely closed or partially open. At the 

 vulva the tumour is narrow, and exhibits longitudinal folds or ridges, 

 due to the constriction caused by the vulva. Passing tlie tinger between 

 the tumour and the vulva, there is found a depression, or ctil-de-sac, 

 formed by its direct continuity with the vulvar nmcous membrane. In 

 certain cases the cervix uteri can be seen in the middle of the tumour. 

 Not infrequently the tumour is invisible when the animal is standing ; 

 though it may show itself when it lies down, micturates, defecates, or 

 strains. When, however, the inversion is extensive, or the case is 

 chronic, the tumour often remains external to the vulva. 



There is generally more or less ditViculty in micturating, arising from 

 the pressure on the urethra ; and instances are recorded in which 

 extreme distention of the bladder from retention of urine had occa- 

 sioned serious symptoms, and led to paralysis, and even rupture, of 

 that viscus. There may also be more or less straining — indeed, this 

 symptom is nearly always present ; febrile symptoms may likewise be 

 noted in some cases. 



When the mucous membrane has been long exposed to the air, it 

 becomes thickened and indurated, from the constant irritation giving 

 rise to effusion and exudation : it assumes a grayish tint, and is covered 

 with a hardened epithelium, which gives it a leathery appearance. 



The local symptoms we have indicated siiould sulhciently distinguish 

 between this accident and the presence of tumours in the genital canal. 

 In the Bitch, inversion of the vagina has been sometimes mistaken for 

 a condylomatous tumour ; and cases are recorded in which tumours of 

 this kind, protruding beyond the vulva, through insuHicient examination 

 have been mistaken for inversion. Inversion of tlie bladder has also 

 been confounded with that of the vagina. The pyriform cysts that 

 sometimes form in that canal, and contain a clear citron-coloured fluid, 

 have likewise been occasionally considered as inversion of the vagina. 



To avoid errors which might have a serious result, a careful examina- 

 tion must be made, and nothing should be attempted in the way of 

 operation until the state of afifaira is exactly determined. 



Prognosis. 



Inversion of the vagina is not nearly so serious an accident as inver- 

 sion of the uterus ; and Cows, Mares, and Bitches may often suffer from 



