Pelvic Adhesions. Parametritis 607 



is the improper eifort at removing an irremovable retained 

 afterbirth. In one herd where six cows had suffered from 

 retention of the fetal membranes and attempts had been 

 made by the attending veterinarian to remove them manu- 

 ally, I sent three (50 per cent.) directly to the butcher on ac- 

 count of pelvic adhesions and abscesses. 



The clinical symptoms of pelvic adhesions and abscesses 

 are vague and inconclusive. There is ordinarily a history of 

 disease at the time of parturition, from which recovery has 



Fig. iqo — Adhesion ofUterus to Bladder. 



l^, Vagina ; B, urinary bladder ; (/. uterus ; 7", adhesive band passing from 

 uterine horn to bladder. 



been tardy and imperfect. The animal is rarely in good con- 

 dition and is generally emaciated, with a lustreless coat. 

 When the adhesions are quite extensive the movements of 

 the animal are careful, hesitant and stiff. The back is fre- 

 quently arched. 



Clinical examination by palpation through the rectum dis- 

 closes adhesions of the uterus, oviducts and ovaries to the 

 pelvic walls, rectum, bladder, rumen, or other adjacent 

 structures. It is essential to accurate diagnosis that trac- 

 tion be applied to the cervix with the uterine forceps. This 

 affords the examiner a definite base (the cervix) from which 

 to extend palpation, and the tension brings out, if such re- 

 sult is possible, the contour of the diseased uterus. Depend- 

 ing upon the degree of adhesion, the nature of the lesions 



