PROLAPSE OF THE VAGINA. 163 
STRUCTURE OF THE VAGINA. 
Cases of sterility are occasionally encountered in which the cause is one or 
more bands extending across the vagina, and usually located from one to three 
inches within. 
When these are small, they may be divided with a knife, but if large, to cut 
by elastic ligature is the safest method. 
During the “season ” and after the color has disappeared from the discharge, 
is the most favorable time for the operation, for then the parts are all considera- 
bly relaxed. 
In most instances the band can be passed by the end of the finger, and 
hooked with it, drawn near enough to the outlet to permit the use of a knife. 
But the traction should always be gradual, that the parts may have time to yield ; 
and almost always the bitch will assist with bearing-down or expulsive efforts. 
Rarely is any after treatment required, for there is comparatively little 
bleeding. 
Another form of stricture now and then met with occurs at the commence- 
ment of the vaginal passage, the opening of which is as tightly closed as that of 
the rectum, and, as in examinations of the latter, the introduction is resisted, and 
the finger held quite firmly at the outlet after it has entered. . 
Sterility exists in this instance also, and can scarcely be overcome except by 
operation. The safest and easiest is to slowly cut through the muscles that 
cause the stricture, by means of an elastic cord, as is sometimes done in fistula 
of the anus. 
Asa rule it is advisable to make the operation bilateral. 
PROLAPSE OF THE VAGINA. 
Subjects which have been debilitated by frequent pregnancies, disease, lack 
of exercise, or from other fault of management, sometimes suffer from prolapse 
of the vagina. And this accident having happened once is liable to occur 
again, especially during the “season.” 
There may be a congenital peculiarity which favors prolapse, but almost 
always it is due to a relaxed condition and lack of tone in the parts involved. 
The trouble can scarcely be mistaken; for the vaginal mucous membrane 
appears at or protrudes through the outlet, and presents the appearance of a red, 
soft, easily resisting, shining body, which blocks up the passage. 
When the prolapse is recent, the parts can be quite easily restored, and there 
is a fair chance of their keeping in place; but having been down for several 
hours, or the accident having occurred several times, it will likely be repeated. 
