3 14 VETERINARY OBSTETRICS. 



It is sometimes due to standing in draughts after 

 labor, or lying on a wet, cold bed. Injudicious feeding 

 is always a predisposing cause. The sub-acute form 

 may be due to other, or similar causes, but often brought 

 about by the absorption of some morbid material from 

 the cavity of the uterus, or may extend from vaginitis, 

 and is frequently due to retention of the placental 

 membranes. 



When caused by the absorption of septic material,, 

 it is called "septic metritis". 



In acute metritis, all the tissues become involved^ 

 — the muscular, mucous, and serous coats ; while in 

 sub-acute, only the mucous coat may be affected. 



Symptoms of Acute Metritis. — The animal stops 

 feeding, and in cattle, ruminating. There is great 

 restlessness, moving from one hind-limb to the other ; 

 straining occasionally, and frequent attempts to 

 micturate. The mucous membrane of the vulva is 

 congested ; the visible mucous-membranes are also 

 injected. The pulse is quick, frequent, and sometimes 

 irregular. The Mare behaves as with colic. The Cow 

 gets down, and is disinclined to rise. She generally 

 lies on her side, grunting occasionally, and grinding 

 her teeth. 



In all animals there is a discharge from the vulva, 

 which is seen several hours after the origin of the 

 disease, and is then dark red in color, passing through 

 a chocolate to a dark yellow. 



The treatment depends upon the cause. If possible, 

 have the animal made comfortable on a dry, clean bed, 

 and avoid draughts of cold air. Elevate the hind- 



