596 Diseases of the Genital Organs 



tained in the uterus until such time as the intra-uterine 

 tension suffices to dilate the cervical canal, when the pus is 

 expelled in large volume, succeeding which days or weeks 

 may pass without purulent discharge. During the post- 

 puerperal period, as clinically designated, there may occur 

 pregnancy, the embryo or fetus may perish and be retained 

 and, as described under "The Infections of the Gravid Uter- 

 us", there may be established a persistent pyometra and the 

 pus may be mixed with blood. In rare cases very extensive 



Fig. 185 — Pyometra. Median Section through. Right Cornu. Cow. 



/, Cervix with sclerotic walls ; 2, utero-cornual cavity 



showing nodular mucosa. 



pyometra occurs without visible discharge. The uterus is 

 completely flaccid and paretic. It drops far forward into 

 the abdominal cavity and may lead to error in diagnosis, be- 

 ing mistaken for pregnancy. 



The diagnosis of pyometra is usually simple. Upon in- 

 spection the vulva, tail and buttocks are soiled with pus. 

 If the animal is recumbent there is often a tell-tale mass of 

 pus lying behind her. Vaginal exploration generally reveals 

 fetid pus in its cervical end. Rectal palpation discloses a 

 distended, flabby uterus, usually with thickened walls. The 

 two horns are generally similarly but not identically filled, 



