308 DISEASES OF THE UTERUS 



Hysterotomy.— After examination of the patient it is found 

 that it is impossible for the fetus to be born, or after the other 

 methods of treatment have failed, it is advisable to perform 

 hysterotomy as early as possible. Delay in performing the 

 operation is often fatal on account of the infection in the 

 uterus from resulting sapremia or septicemia. 



The animal is anesthetized, placed on the table in a dorsal 

 position, well hoppled. An incision is made through the 

 abdominal walls in the median line just anterior to the pubis 

 and extended forward about three to four inches. The uterus 

 will at once be seen as a voluminous body. It is withdrawn 

 carefully from the cavity well surrounded by sterile gauze 

 to prevent fluids from flowing back into the abdominal 

 cavity. An incision is made through the walls of the uterus 

 of sufficient size to allow the fetus or fetuses to be withdrawn. 

 If there should be any fetus in either of the cornua they can 

 be removed through the same opening. The membranes 

 and any other material should be removed from the uterus. 

 The incision in the uterus is closed with Lembert sutures and 

 returned to the abdominal cavity. The abdominal incision 

 closed as usual. 



General stimulants should be administered following the 

 operation. 



Hysterectomy is advisable in cases where there is evidence 

 of puerperal infection. (See Chronic Metritis.) 



