184 DISEASES OF THE REPRODUCTIVE ORGANS 



emanate from the spinal cord. Obviously anything which 

 prevents conception and renders the female animal sterile will 

 produce a return of the period of heat which is not a true 

 nymphomania. 



Symptoms. — In cows the symptoms are those of an exag- 

 gerated estrum. Repeated copulation fails to produce con- 

 ception. The period of heat is also prolonged. The patients 

 are nervous, excited, keep up a continued bellowing and 

 running around the pasture or enclosure, mounting other 

 animals and even human beings. Milch cows fall off in their 

 milk and the milk itself is of poor quality. Later the patient 

 emaciates, the croup sinks on each side of the root of the tail, 

 as in pregnant animals, and the neck thickens resembling 

 that of the male. 



In mares there is a frequent and almost continuous estrum 

 followed by failure to conceive or abortion if bred. The 

 patient is ticklish-, nervous, frequently switches her tail, 

 blinks the vulva, ejecting small quantities of urine, and often 

 becomes vicious, kicking in harness or biting at other animals 

 or persons who come near her. Some mares on the contrary 

 show symptoms of cerebral depression as in hydrocephalus 

 (act like dummies). Very rarely they show maniacal symp- 

 toms or convulsions. If the condition persists for any 

 length of time the patient loses flesh and shows a capricious 

 appetite. 



In sows much the same symptoms occur as in the horse 

 and ox. The sow is continuously in heat, does not conceive 

 when bred, eats poorly and consequently loses flesh and 

 becomes unprofitable. She will mount continuously other 

 swine and may become vicious, attacking other animals or 

 man. 



Treatment. — The best treatment for confirmed cases of 

 nymphomania is ovariectomy which is especially valuable in 

 mares and cows. In some instances crushing the ovarian 

 cysts or expressing yellow bodies through the rectimi and 

 vagina has given favorable results. The amputation of the 

 clitoris which for a time was much practised in mares is only 

 occasionally successful. Placing a leaden ball in the uterus 

 is rarely of benefit. The use of narcotic drugs such as bromid 



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