METRITIS 293 



the relative size of the two cornua, as compared to the size 

 of the body of the uterus, their position and attachments. 

 Tumors, pregnancy, etc., should be looked for. The con- 

 sistency of the organ is important as it is modified by the 

 character of its contents, whether fluid, or solid material. 

 The entire organ should be carefully palpated for differential 

 diagnosis between pregnancy, tumors, proliferative or fibroid 

 endometritis, pyometra, hydrometra, etc. After a careful 

 examination the uterus may be returned to the cavity or 

 operated as the condition indicates. 



METRITIS. 



Definition.— An inflammation of the uterus which may be 

 (a) acute, or (b) chronic. 



Acute Metritis.— Definition.— An acute inflammation of the 

 uterus. In most instances it is to be regarded as an acute 

 inflammation of the mucosa (acute endometritis). In some 

 cases the musculature and serous coverings are involved 

 (metroperitonitis) . 



Etiology. — Metritis is a condition in which infection of 

 various kinds is found to be the primary etiological factor. 

 There are various conditions which occur in small animals 

 that favor uterine infection and ultimately lead to an acute 

 inflammation. These are: (a) The retention of the fetal 

 envelopes. If not expelled after the normal time has elapsed 

 they constitute a source of danger to the animal, as they 

 form a favorable medium for the growth of bacteria. The 

 retained membranes keep the cervix of the uterus open, 

 which favors the introduction of bacteria, and interferes with 

 the normal involution of the organ. Retained placenta is 

 not so common in small animals as the membranes are 

 usually passed with the fetus. 



(b) Infection is introduced into the uterus at the time of 

 parturition by the use of infected instruments or fingers 

 used in cases of dystocia. 



(c) Wounds of the mucosa of the vagina and uterus 

 greatly facilitate the entrance of infection. Depending upon 

 their depth, wounds may lead to metroperitonitis. 



