314 BOVINE OBSTETRICS 



When inversion and prolapsus occur some days after birth, 

 the dimensions are also less than when immediately following 

 parturition. I know of a case where prolapsus uteri took place 

 six days after birth, the afterbirth having been retained. The 

 prolapsed portion was about one-half the size of the complete 

 prolapsus previously described. 



In those cases observed by me the prolapsus only involved 

 the gravid and inverted horn. Inversion of the empty horn is 

 mentioned by some professional men. 



The general health is materially disturbed. The cow 

 strains constantly, both when down and standing, defaecates 

 frequently, soiling the uterus. When considerable blood has 

 been lost, the animal usually remains in the recumbent position 

 and the mucous membrane of the mouth is pale. 



Prognosis.^-This depends on many circumstances, and the 

 following points are to be considered : 



1. How long does the prolapsus exist and what changes 

 have taken place ? When the prolapsus is only of recent date 

 and the secundines still attached to the cotyledons and no 

 injuries are present, the prognosis is favorable, but becomes 

 less favorable when oedema of the uterus is extensive. 



2. Should the examination reveal superficial wounds, the 

 prognosis is doubtful, as infection may take place. Perforating 

 wounds demand an unfavorable prognosis, especially when due 

 to treads of a neighboring cow. Veterinary literature mentions 

 cases where uterine injuries in a prolapsus healed after reposi- 

 tion. A favorable factor is the contraction of the organ after it 

 is returned to the abdominal cavity; by it large wounds become 

 smaller and small wounds close entirely. 



3. What treatment has the prolapsus received so far? 

 The veterinarian is not always the first one to lend a. helping 

 hand. Before his arrival, the owner or an empiric have often 

 exhausted their skill, and not always in a cautious manner. 

 Therefore the whole prolapsus must be carefully searched for 

 any wound and must be examined whether any cotyledons are 

 torn off or perforating wounds exist. The prognosis depends 

 on the results of the examination. 



