PROLAPSE OF THE VAGINA 311 



Diagnosis.— This is made by a direct inspection of the 

 mucosa. 



Prognosis.— Favorable in most cases, unless general symp- 

 toms of septicemia are present, or in some cases of extensive 

 laceration of the mucous membrane. 



Treatment.— The parts should be thoroughly cleansed with 

 mild antiseptics (lysol, 2 per cent.), followed by weak solu- 

 tions of astringents (silver nitrate, 0.25 per cent., or silver 

 citrate 0.5 per cent.). These applications should be made 

 daily. 



In case any foreign bodies are present, they should be 

 removed and antiseptic treatment applied. When the vulva 

 or vagina is found lacerated the extent of the wound should 

 be determined by probing, all loose fragments removed with 

 the scissors, and antiseptics used as above. 



In gangrenous conditions of the vulva or mucosa, all such 

 portions must be removed promptly, and the surface treated 

 thoroughly with antiseptic solutions. It is sometimes neces- 

 sary in recent wounds of the vulva to apply one or more 

 sutures to properly approximate the torn edges to prevent 

 improper union. 



PROLAPSE OF THE VAGINA. 



A true prolapsus of the vagina is uncommon in small 

 animals. A hypertrophic condition of a portion of the 

 mucosa which protrudes through the vulvar opening is 

 frequently mistaken for prolapsus. This, however, is not a 

 true prolapsus, but inasmuch as it simulates the condition, 

 it will be described with prolapsus. 



Etiology.— Prolapse of the vagina often results from injuries 

 during copulation, the penis, which is forcibly withdrawn 

 before ejaculation has taken place, pulling the vaginal 

 mucosa out with it. 



Results also from severe straining, and from inflammation 

 of the mucosa. Hypertrophy of the mucosa is observed 

 frequently in some of the larger breeds, Great Danes, St. 

 Bernards, and becomes a chronic and especially prominent 

 following the estrual period. It consists of simply a chronic 

 inflammation which is most marked during estruation. 



