CHAPTER VI. 



DISEASES OF THE UTERUS. 



Examination. —There are three principal ways in which 

 an examination of the uterus may be made : (a) By abdom- 

 inal palpation; (b) by obtaining the discharge from the uterus 

 and noting the condition of the vulva and vagina; (c) by 

 laparotomy. 



(a) In abdominal palpation it is possible to determine 

 various conditions involving the uterus. The patient should 

 be placed in a standing position. With one hand on either 

 side of it over the postero-inferior abdominal region, the 

 operator by gentle pressure with the finger can feel the 

 uterus when distended, as an elongated, suspended body, 

 within the abdominal cavity. Palpation may be used to 

 detect pregnancy, pyometra, hydrometra, tumors and inflam- 

 mation. Sometimes in order to differentiate between these 

 conditions it is necessary to make a general examination of 

 the animal. 



(b) In some of the conditions involving the uterus, there 

 is a discharge from the vulva. The discharge should be 

 collected and examined carefully, noting whether or not it 

 consists of blood, mucus, pus, membranes, bacteria, etc. 

 The microscope may be employed if necessary. 



(c) By laparotomy it is possible to make a direct inspec- 

 tion of the uterus. It is advisable when there is evidence of 

 serious involvement of the organ, and where the diagnosis 

 is in doubt. The incision through the abdominal walls is 

 made in the median line just anterior to the pubis, extend- 

 ing forward a sufficient distance to allow the uterus to be 

 drawn out. The uterus may be enlarged. The external or 

 serous covering should be observed for evidences of inflam- 

 mation, hemorrhage, and rents or tears in the walls, Note 



