The Persistence of Mvellerian Ducts 167 



'^^ Double cervix is not at all rare. My collection contains 

 several specimens, each having individual characteristics. 

 It is interesting to record that a double cervix is occasion- 

 ally associated with a one-horned uterus. 



The double cervix is readily diagnosed. The two cervices, 

 lying side by side, have the normal cervical characters, are 

 sealed in pregnancy, and penetrable with a sound when non- 

 pregnant. The_condition_doesnotjvisibl^ It 

 is objectionable merely as a congenital defect which may be 

 perpetuated and accentuated in the progeny. 



3. Persistence of the Median Walls of the Muellerian 

 Ducts in the Vagina 



Occasionally, in vaginal palpation, one finds a perpendi- 

 cular muscular column located against the os uteri exter- 

 num, but free from its lips, which extend from the floor to 

 the roof of the vagina. I have seen the structure varying in 

 diameter from one-fourth to one inch. It is quite firm and 

 covered by the vaginal mucosa. It serves at times to con- 

 fuse the inexperienced veterinarian, who, by recognizing 

 the OS uteri externum first on the right and then on the left 

 of the fleshy column, may imagine that he is dealing with a 

 double cervix. The defect is easily diagnosed. The operator v 

 can pass his finger across between the vaginal end of the \ 

 cervix and the fleshy cord and, bjLb-ending the^ger, cojn- I' 

 pletely encircle the column. By exerting traction the mus-'^ / 

 cular column can usually be drawn back into the vulva, 

 where it can be clearly seen. 5 



Ordinarily the structure does not interfere with concep- / 

 tion. In some cases the structure seemed to me competent \ 

 to cause difficulty in parturition because one of the ex- 

 tremities might pass on one side of the cord and one on the / 

 other side. Then the column would need to rupture or be / 

 cut before parturition could be completed. After parturi- 

 tion, the fetal membranes might very well become caught 

 and detained by portions passing on either side. There- 

 fore it is desirable to sever the column. I have hooked an 

 index finger about the cord, drawn it well back, and then 



