472 



BOVINE PATHOLOGY. 



may be fixed at the vulval aperture to tlie truss or 

 sutures. The narrowness of the neck allows urine to 

 pass freely, and its rounded edges and smooth surface render 

 it very unlikely to cause irritation (see ' Veterinarian,^ 

 1880, p. 296). In cases where it is found impossible other- 

 wise to return the organ, it has been suggested to place 

 the animal on its back and elevate the hind quarters by 

 means of pulleys. When the spasms are excessive large 

 doses of opium are beneficial to allay this undue straining. 

 On return of the womb it has been suggested to place 

 metallic sutures through the os uteri, but these may prove 

 a source of irritation, therefore the application of a truss 

 (such as Gowing^s, shown in the accompanying figure 109) 

 is suggested. Trusses for this purpose are of various kinds, 

 and some are valuable as being composed of a simple 

 rope specially arranged (see Fig. 110). For a description of 

 these we must consult Fleming^s ^ Obstetrics."' Sometimes 

 it is deemed advisable to apply a truss in every case after 

 parturition; this preventive means should certainly be taken 

 with all debilitated animals and those which have previously 

 suffered from prolapsus. Standing on a floor slanting 



Fig. 109. — Gowing's Truss for prolapsus uteri. (After Simonds.) 



forwards is always a useful precaution after parturition. 

 Some practitioners insert sutures through the labia instead 



