310 DISEASES OF THE VAGINA AND VULVA 



Etiology.— Mechanically there are a number of conditions 

 which bring about inflammation of these parts. Anything 

 causing bruising of the mucosa will result in an inflammatory 

 condition varying in degree and depending upon the extent 

 of the injury. Lacerations and abrasions of the mucosa make 

 possible the entrance of bacteria with resultant inflamma- 

 tion. During dystocia, wounds, and lacerations of the vulva 

 and vagina are very common from rough manipulations and 

 sharp instruments. At this time the animal's general resist- 

 ance is materially reduced and serious infection and infiltra- 

 tion of the tissues can take place. Infection is frequently 

 introduced by infected fingers or instruments. Another 

 factor of importance in these cases following dystocia is the 

 fact that in the extraction of the fetus, or the discharge of 

 the secretions from the uterus, the vagina is further exposed 

 to infectious material. 



Foreign bodies finding their way into the vagina will pro- 

 duce inflammatory conditions depending upon the kind of 

 foreign body and the extent of the injury done by the same. 

 Tumors in the vaginal wall usually produce a chronic inflam- 

 mation. 



Symptoms.— Acute inflammation of the vulva is apparent 

 from the swelling of the labia and the congestion of the 

 mucous membrane. The color of the mucosa is at first red, 

 later of a bluish, or greenish-black, depending upon the stage 

 of the inflammatory process. At first there is no discharge, 

 but later a mucous or mucopurulent discharge is observed. 

 In acute vaginitis the mucosa will be red in color, swollen, 

 and in most cases the seat of the injury or infection will be 

 observed. The animal will be restless, often shows symptoms 

 of straining as if to urinate. General symptoms of elevation 

 of temperature; disturbances in the circulation and respira- 

 tion are often observed from the absorption of the toxins, 

 or the presence of microorganisms in the blood. In chronic 

 vaginitis the principal symptom is the chronic, whitish, 

 purulent discharge from the vulva. Examination reveals 

 the chronic inflammatory changes of the mucosa of the 

 vagina and vulva. In most of these cases it is difficult to 

 make a distinction between the two conditions as they are 

 nearly always associated except in injuries. 



