136 The Management and Diseases of the Doj- 



INVERSION OF THE UTERUS. 



This is not of very frequent occurrence, and is usually- 

 met with in bitches which have parturiated several times, 

 and in which the organ is loose and flabby and the os uteri 

 relaxed. It is usually connected with protracted parturi- 

 tion, where undue force or assistance has been used, or 

 there has been violent straining. 



Symptoms. — Inversion of the uterus is denoted by the 

 protrusion of a round rough-surfaced body, which is easily 

 compressible ; the extent of the protrusion may be detected 

 by examining with the finger between the tumour and 

 walls of the vagina. If the inversion is protracted the 

 organ becomes discoloured with a pus-like exudation on its 

 exposed surface, and emits an offensive odour. 



Treatment. — This consists in returning the uterus to its 

 proper situation, which should be done without delay, other- 

 wise its swollen and abnormal condition will render it next 

 to impossible. The operation is best effected by gentle 

 pressure on the centre of the fundus with a rod having the 

 end padded ; a little olive-oil or milk injected around and 

 on* the organ will facilitate its return. 



The after-injection of a weak solution of alum or zinc, 

 and the administration of an opiate, will assist in the re- 

 tention of the organ. 



When, owing to protracted inversion, the uterus has be- 

 zpme enormously swollen, discoloured and cold,and return is 

 impossible,excision will be necessary ; and this may be per- 

 formed either by a ligature round the neck of the organ, 

 gradually tightened every day,. or direct removal with the 

 knife immediately before a tight ligature. The subsequent 

 treatment should consist in warm water injections, with 

 , occasionally chloride of zinc, laxative diet, and quietude. 



ULCERATION OF THE UTERUS 

 Is not very frequently met with in canine practice. The 

 " Veterinary Record," vol. iii., gives the following : — 

 " Three weeks before the time of parturition a bitch fell 



