PROLAPSUS OF THE UTERUS 315 



Treatment. — Reposition and retention of the prolapsus are 

 the points. Before reposition is attempted, certain prepara- 

 tions must be, made, which never should be omitted, as the suc- 

 cess of the operation depends entirely on them. 



1. Preparation. When the veterinarian is called to attend 

 a cow with prolapsus uteri, he usually finds on entering the 

 stable that the cow lies on her side, the hind parts often lower, 

 and that the owner keeps the inverted uterus covered as much 

 as possible with cloths. The operator now undresses suffici- 

 ently to have the arms bare and removes any closely fitting 

 dress which interferes with free movements. The cow is now 

 straightened — that is, placed upon the knees and hocks or upon 

 the right side. Two strong men take care of the head, another 

 one pulls the tail to one side. This is followed by 



2. Removal of the secundines. When they are still adhering, 

 it is always a proof that the owner has not attempted reposi- 

 tion. The removal of the afterbirth is very simple. The foetal 

 placenta is stripped off each cotyledon with the thumb and 

 index finger. After all cotyledons have been treated in this 

 way the hand is passed into the slit-like opening leading into 

 the empty horn, where the chorion is also separated from the 

 cotyledons. The secundines are now removed, the inverted 

 uterus rinsed with cold water and placed upon a clean cloth. 



3. The hind parts of the cow are raised, or whenever pos- 

 sible she is induced to stand up. Anybody omitting this meets 

 with difficulties. Many a young veterinarian found to his dis- 

 advantage that he omitted this, the first and ost important 

 rule of reposition. I am almost tempted to state that the bal- 

 ance of the treatment depends entirely on the execution of this 

 rule. The greater the elevation of the hind parts of the cow, 

 the easier the reposition. In the standing posture the con- 

 ditions are very favorable, especially when the cow lies on the 

 knees in front. Whenever possible the cow should be placed 

 in that position, as it is the best one for the operator. While 

 doing so the cow must be supported by placing a rope or sack 

 under the sternum, to be held by two men, two more when sup- 

 porting her behind in a similar manner without pushing the 



