METRITIS 297 



small portion of the placenta is retained leading to a slowly 

 developing inflammation with pus formation. 



(d) Injuries of a mild character during parturition, or at 

 other periods, reduce the general resistance of the animal 

 and particularly the local resistance of the uterus allowing 

 infection to develop. In these cases we will often find that 

 the female has never been pregnant. Such cases tend to 

 develop into uterine abscess. 



(e) Anything which reduces the resistance of the repro- 

 ductive organs or the animal's general resistance has a 

 tendency to favor the formation of this condition. Exposure 

 is a predisposing factor. 



Pathology.— The presence of pus in varying quantity in 

 the uterus. The pus is thick, viscid, dark or reddish, some- 

 times reddish-gray in color and of offensive odor. The walls 

 of the uterus are much thickened, dilated, and in some cases 

 enormously distended with pus (uterine abscess). The 

 mucosa is dark in color, soft, spongy, and shows numerous 

 elevations of various sizes. The process can extend into both 

 cornua. In general the animal will show emaciation, the 

 muscles are pale, soft and friable. Secondary abscesses are 

 often observed in the kidneys, liver and lungs. 



Symptoms. — The most prominent symptom is the chronic 

 discharge from the vulva, which varies in quantity, being 

 more copious at certain times than at others. This is due 

 to the fact that it accumulates in the uterus until a certain 

 distention of the organ is reached, when it will be ejected. 

 The discharge is grayish-red, or dark red in color, and of fetid 

 odor. It soils the tail, limbs, and hair around the vulva. 

 In uterine abscess, with occlusion of the cervical canal, the 

 discharge will be absent. 



Enlargement of the Abdomen.— -In all cases, and particu- 

 larly in uterine abscess, there is a marked increase in the 

 size of the abdominal cavity which may simulate pregnancy. 



Careful palpation should be made especially in distention 

 of the uterus with no discharge from the vulva (uterine 

 abscess). 



General Symptoms.— In all cases of chronic metritis 

 systemic disturbances are noted. They are general emacia- 



