152 PRINCIPLES AND PRACTICE OF MILK HYGIENE 
colorless or yellow, red or chocolate color, thin at first and 
gradually becoming thicker. In chronic metritis the discharge 
is white, sticky, and odorless, or muco-purulent, purulent, or 
chocolate-colored and foul-smelling. A slight purulent dis- 
charge occurs in tuberculosis of the uterus. When the discharge 
is slight it may be observed only when the cow lies down or its 
presence may be indicated only by a soiled condition of the tail. 
The vulva is swollen in metritis and in puerperal septicemia. 
In tuberculosis of the uterus the vulva is flabby and the broad 
ligaments are relaxed and sunken. Relaxation of the broad 
ligaments also occurs in ovarian disease and frequently in 
aged cows. 
If defecation does not occur during the examination the 
character of the bowel discharges may be determined by ex- 
amining the manure in the gutter or drop and by observing the 
condition of the tail and buttocks. Soft bowel discharges, if 
general, may indicate a sudden change in feed, overfeeding, or 
the feeding of spoiled feed, as well as disease. Dry, hard feces, 
often of a darker color than normal, are seen in constipation 
and in severe febrile disease ; soft or semi-fluid feces in intestinal 
catarrh, advanced tuberculosis of the mesenteric lymph glands, 
pseudo-tuberculosis or Johne’s disease and enteritis ; red, choco- 
late-colored or black faces in hemorrhagic enteritis and dysen- 
tery. Blood is present in streaks or clots in hemorrhage of the 
rectum and bloody discharges occur in anthrax. Coarse par- 
ticles of food in the feces indicate disturbance of rumination in 
consequence of impaction, torpidity, or paralysis of the rumen. 
4, Respiration—The rate, rhythm, intensity, and 
character of the respiratory movements can be deter- 
mined by observing the movement of the flanks. 
Rapid breathing is often seen in advanced pulmonary tuber- 
culosis, but it is not a constant symptom. The rate of respira- 
tion is increased in other diseases of the respiratory tract, in 
fever and in painful conditions. An increase in the respiratory 
rate occurs also immediately after eating, after exercise, and in 
hot weather. Increase in the intensity or depth of the respira- 
