THE FEMALE GENERATIVE ORGANS. 



469 



continues ; probably the rupture is gradual. It has not 

 been observed in this country. Rupture is often seen in 

 the everted uterus, but the organ may be returned and 

 the case recover. It is generally considered unneces- 

 sary to insert sutures in such cases. The reparative 

 powers of the uterus seem very extraordinary, for the 

 organ contracts after evacuation of its contents, and thus 

 the edges of any wound are kept close together and in a 

 condition favorable to rapid healing. Protrusion of the 

 small intestines through the rupture (which generally is 

 at one side of the anterior part of the organ) is some- 

 times seen. The symptoms of rupture of the womb are 

 those indicative of collapse ; sometimes there is a flow of 

 blood or sanguineous fluid through the vulva, but this 

 symptom may be absent. When the foetus has fallen in the 

 abdominal cavity there will be sudden alteration in the 

 shape of the abdomen and in the position of the foetus. 

 In such cases all that can be done is to perform the 

 Caesarian operation as early as possible; in others all our 

 efforts must be directed to supporting the strength of 

 the patient and counteracting untoward results. 



Fia. 107. — Portion of chorion with placentulae. Cow. 1. Chorion. 2. Pla- 

 centulsB. (From Fleming's * Veterinary Obstetrics.') 



Prolapsus vel Inversio uteri — '^ Falling of the read 

 or calf-bed '^ — the turning inside-out of the uterus — may 



