SOME ACCIDENTS OF' PREGNANCY. 55 



spontaneous relaxation of the abdominal aponeuroses. 

 It is rare in young animals. 



In the Bitch, ventral hysterocele has been observed 

 above the mammary glands — simulating a scirrhous 

 ■enlargement — and in one of the labiae of the vulva, 

 Iseneath the skin. 



Treatment. — Support of the hernia by bandaging 

 xintil the contents of the uterus have been expelled. 

 Abortion may have to be artificially induced, or 

 hysterotomy performed. 



As a mammary tumor may be mistaken for hernia 

 in the Bitch, diagnosis should be very carefully made 

 in this animal. 



Note. — Referred to also under "Maternal Dystokia," 

 Chapter X, page, 90. 



Rupture of the Uterus (antepartum). 



This accident is not common before the termination 

 ■of the period of gestation. It may occur before, and 

 during parturition, due to injuries by the foetus, or to 

 ill-directed efforts to assist at the act, or in attempts to 

 reduce the organ when aversion has occurred during 

 the act. Other causes are attenuation of the uterine 

 walls, hydrops amnii, and distension by the gas evolved 

 from a putrefying foetus, etc. 



The dangers resulting from this condition are, 

 hemorrhage from the womb, escape of the bowels 

 through the opening, and peritonitis, from extension 

 of inflammation ■ from the wound, or from the septic 

 fluids escaping into the abdominal cavity. 



