CHAPTER IV. 

 DISEASES OF THE OVARIES. 



Examination.— Several methods of examination are used 

 to detect abnormal and pathological conditions of the ovaries. 



(a) By abdominal palpation. This method has not proved 

 very satisfactory on account of the small size of the ovaries, 

 and the amount of tissue necessary to palpate through. In 

 emaciated subjects or when glands are enlarged, palpation 

 is useful. In cats with large ovarian cysts, the cysts may be 

 felt through the abdominal walls. For abdominal palpation 

 the animal is placed in a standing position. The manipulator 

 should stand either immediately in front of or in the rear of 

 the animal with one hand on either side of the abdomen; the 

 ovaries may be felt in the sublumbar region. This method 

 is of value in a general way, but for accurate diagnosis it 

 does not suffice. 



(6) By observing the animal to note any symptoms of 

 excitement, etc. Cats with ovarian cysts will often show 

 evidences of nervous excitement, epileptiform convulsions, 

 etc. 



(c) Direct inspection of the ovaries can be made with but 

 very little danger. Therefore in doubtful cases laparotomy 

 should be performed and the ovaries examined for inflamma- 

 tion, tumors, cysts, etc. 



INFLAMMATION OF THE OVARIES. 



Oophoritis. 



Definition.— An acute or chronic inflammation of one or 

 both ovaries. Oophoritis is not observed very often in 

 animals. It should not be mistaken for the normal hyperemia 

 of the glands during the estral period. However, acute and 

 chronic inflammations are found involving these glands. 



