INFLAMMATION OF THE WOMB. 165 
congested. But notwithstanding the fact that no period is really exempt from 
this affection, seldom indeed does it manifest itself except after whelping, and in 
consequence of a dead and putrefying puppy. 
As practically stated, when associated with puerperal fever the inflammation 
of the womb is never likely to be recognized. When occurring alone after 
whelping, it presents symptoms that very closely resemble that grave malady as 
long as the puppy causing the trouble remains; but that removed, aside from a 
straddling gait, slight fever, and apparently some abdominal tenderness, there is 
little to indicate its presence. 
The symptoms of puerperal fever, elsewhere described, appearing, and instead 
of sinking rapidly the strength of the patient keeps up well, and she safely passes 
the days so fatal in that disease, — the second and third, — hopes can rightly be 
entertained that the existing trouble is as yet confined to the womb, 
Inflammation at other periods than that of whelping is characterized by 
fever, tenderness over the lower part of the abdomen, frequent and evidently 
painful attempts to urinate, diarrhcea with straining, and oftentimes vomiting. 
When standing, the back of the victim is arched, and her hind legs are so spread 
that her gait is stiff and awkward. 
Offensive vaginal discharges after whelping are very generally caused by 
retained, dead and decomposing puppies, and in all instances the genital canal 
should be thoroughly explored with the forefinger, the same being first well 
anointed with sweet-oil or lard. 
When the puppy is low down in the canal its presence should be made out, 
even by an examiner who is inexperienced; but the services of an expert will 
very generally be required in effecting delivery, therefore the primary examina- 
tion can wisely be left to him. 
The inflammation occurring in the absence of a dead puppy, on examination 
the womb is found much swollen, and the patient shrinks under the touch of 
the finger as well as from pressure on the outside, over the womb. 
In such cases there is rarely any vaginal discharge unless the inflammation 
has been on for a long time, when likely a purulent one occurs. 
This disease is not of itself one of considerable danger. Indeed, when not 
associated with pregnancy, it usually begins to subside after a few days, and 
restoration is nearly complete in the course of a week. 
Where there is a dead puppy in an inflamed womb the outlook is serious; for 
the inflammation is likely to be aggravated by the delivery, and it may extend 
and involve the peritoneum. But still, if the affected organ can be emptied 
speedily and without much injury, recovery ought to occur. Instances are also 
on record in which dead puppies were retained for nearly two weeks, then 
expelled by the mother, and recovery took place very quickly. But such happy 
results are rare indeed, and the rule in like cases is that either puerperal fever 
or peritonitis sets in and destroys the victim. 
