I'AaiMTlS. (;2.3 



which necessitates manipulatory eiforts, the use of instruments, etc., 

 the passage of a very vohuninous ftetus, the pressure of a pessary, or 

 any other cause that may lead to irritation, bruising, or wounding of 

 the mucous membrane. In very exceptional instances, the inllanunation 

 may be indirectly due to the action of cold on the skin, or the ingestion 

 of very cold water — though this is more likely to induce metritis or 

 metro-vaginitis. 



The inriammation may lead to, or be complicated with, ulceration, 

 gangrene, or mortification to a greater or less extent. 



The labia of the vulva and the lining membrane of the vagina are 

 more or less swollen, tlie latter being of a deep or bright red, brown, or 

 livid hue ; there may be also patclies of congestion and eccliymoses, 

 with wounds or abrasions, and in rare cases phlyctiena; may be observed 

 on the surface of the membrane. The temperature of the canal is also 

 gi-eatly increased, while its walls are dry and often adhesive. Micturi- 

 tion is generally painful and dillicult, constipation is often present, and 

 there is sometimes nmch itching in the region of the vulva, which is 

 indicated by the continued attempts the animal makes to rub the part. 

 If the inflammation is severe and extensive, fever will be present. 



When the intlanmiation has existed for one or two days, the mucus 

 secreted by the membrane is gi'eatly increased in quantity ; it is at first 

 a serous limpid fluid, sometimes streaked with blood ; then it gradually 

 becomes thicker and sero- or muco-purulent, soiling the tail and the 

 thighs and hocks, and sometimes becoming so acrid as to cause removal 

 of the hair and excoriation of the skin. 



Simple vaginitis, of itself, is not a serious affection, and the inflamma- 

 tion often subsides spontaneously in the course of a few days, or rapidly 

 yields to treatment. In some instances, however, it assumes a trouble- 

 some, if not a grave character. When gangrene ensues, there may 

 be also infective inflammation in tlie surrounding parts, and large por- 

 tions of the membrane, or even the skin of the labia, may slough, while 

 the discharge is sanious and foetid. Baumeister describes a diphtheritic 

 form of vaginitis which he observed in a Cow that had calved a few 

 days before, and which died on the third day. At the autopsy, the 

 vagina, as well as the uterus, was found full of pseudo-membranous 

 productions. Another Cow which stood beside this one, and which had 

 calved four weeks earlier, contracted the disease a few days after the 

 Cow that died, and also perished — leading to the supposition that this 

 form of vaginitis is contagious. 



The treatment of simple vaginitis does not merit much consideration. 

 Cleanliness, attention to diet, and injections of cold or tepid water, or 

 mild astringents, into the vagina, generally succeed in subduing the 

 inflammation ; but if the injections induce straining they siiould only be 

 administered in small quantity, and in combination with anodynes. 

 When, however, there is any tendency to acute inflammation and gan- 

 grene, or there exists ulceration, sloughing, or even abrasions, antiseptic 

 treatment is advisable — a solution of carbolic acid (2 to 10 per cent ), 

 permanganate of potass, boric acid, or chlorinated or tar water, being 

 perhaps the best local applications. General constitutional treatment 

 may also be necessary, and especially if the fever runs high and there 

 are indications of septic infection. 



