MATERNAL DYSTOKIA. 99 



Induration of the Os-uteri. 



This is a diseased condition, due to degeneration 

 of the muscular fibres of the os, the degeneration being 

 fibroid, or cancerous, in its nature. Sometimes there 

 is no increase, at others there is an enlargement. On 

 examination by vagina, a hard, scirrhous mass is found 

 at the situation of the os. This is often seen in old 

 animals, and is believed to be the result of an injury to 

 the OS at some previous parturition. 



The only treatment is to incise the obstruction, as 

 in the last case. The hemorrhage is not usually 

 dangerous, and, if the growth is not cancerous, the 

 parts have a tendency to heal quickly. 



It is not advisable to breed from an animal In this 

 condition, and, being believed by some to be here- 

 ditary, it is scarcely advisable to breed from an 



offspring. 



Scirrhous Chorion. 



This is due to hypertrophy of the tissues of the 

 chorion, these being morbidly adherent to the walls 

 of the uterus. Sometimes morbid adhesions have also 

 formed between the chorion and the foetus, through the 

 other membranes. 



Should this condition interfere with parturition, the 

 adhesions between the foetus and its membranes must 

 be forcibly broken down ; and, if the foetus is delivered, 

 allow the membranes to remain for a time, to prevent 

 hemorrhage, when they can be removed. 

 Persistent Hymen. 



This is more common in the human subject. The 

 tissues of the hymen, after impregnation, become 



