VAGINAL DISCHARGES. 161 
CHAPTER IV. 
VAGINAL DISCHARGES. 
THE pelvic organs of females are not exempt from disease; but as a matter 
of fact their liability to them is only slight, and many reach old age after having 
passed through the usual vicissitudes of their kind, — been frequently in whelp, 
had large litters, etc., —and yet suffered from none of the “weaknesses ” which 
would seem but natural results of those experiences. Yet while such diseases 
are quite rare, the fact that they do occur makes it advisable that they be at least 
touched upon here. And since they nearly all give rise to vaginal discharges 
that are somewhat peculiar and suggestive of the cause, this head is chosen to 
cover a general discussion. 
Excluding the discharges that appear during the season and eaing period, 
since they are normal, the most common discharge is mucus. The character of 
this will sometimes serve to indicate its source. Thus, if thick, stringy, and con- 
taining what are usually termed lumps, — masses of curdled mucus, —the chances 
are that it comes from the womb, and its most posterior part, known as the neck. 
Whereas if the discharge is creamy and resembles pus, is profuse and quite per- 
sistent, probably its source is the body of the womb. 
A thinner mucous discharge, nearly transparent, is likely vaginal. But it may 
be quite thick and still be confined to the vagina; in which event the common 
cause is worms that have migrated from the bowel. 
These various discharges indicate either irritation, inflammation, or other dis- 
ease of the womb or vagina. 
Mere watery discharges, profuse and constant, would suggest a polypus or 
cancerous trouble of the womb; and did this discharge change in, time, have 
mixed with it grayish particles at first, finally become bloody or give place to 
pure blood, and have a highly offensive odor, then the diagnosis of cancer would 
be reasonable. 
Purulent discharges may be due to inflammation or ulceration of the womb. 
Usually the latter is the existing condition, and in much the largest proportion 
of cases the trouble is at the mouth of the womb, which to the touch appears un- 
even and wart-like ; and a slight show of blood is noted after the examination. 
Discharges of reddish color, due to admixture of blood, may proceed from 
ulcerations of the womb, morbid growths, — as tumor, polypus, etc., — or from 
malignant disease, as cancer. 
