204 CLINICAL DIAGNOSTICS. 



III. Vaginal mucous membrane. Whenever there is 



discharge from the vagina the vaginal mucous membrane 



should be examined. 



Method. Grasp the tail near its root, raise it well up, and let 

 it rest on the back of the other hand, thus leaving the fingers of 

 that hand free to open the lips of the vulva. In order to examine 

 deeper-lying parts an assistant should hold the tail and the opera- 

 tor can then insert his whole hand, which must be previously 

 covered with oil. After thorough palpation in this manner the 

 other hand may also be inserted, the vaginal walls spread apart, 

 and their mucous membrane inspected; here artificial light may be 

 of advantage. A vaginal speculum is not absolutely necessary for 

 these examinations. 



By means of direct examinations like these, affections of 

 the vagina can best be observed and their character deter- 

 mined. In vesicular eruption yellowish gray nod- 

 ules, vesicles or ulcers, the size of a millet seed, are found on 

 the slightly and diffusely reddened mucous membrane. After 

 nealing, light specks that indicate the position of former vesi- 

 cles and ulcers can be observed for some time. 



In torsion of the uterus the vagina is con- 

 tracted, and the mucous membrane is drawn into twisted folds. 

 The examination of the uterus and the explanation of changes 

 in that organ belong to the field of obstetrics. 



IV. The udder. In the examination of cows 

 the udder must never be neglected. In- 

 quire at least as to quantity and quality of the milk. Observe 

 the color of the skin and note any changes that may have taken 

 place. The teats of cows and sheep may be affected with 

 pox, in foot and mouth disease the teats of cows may be cov- 

 ered with blisters ; we also find milk fistulae. Observe also 

 the relative size of the different quarters of the udder and the 

 condition of the surface ; note the size, position, and direction 

 of the teats. In palpation each quarter should be sep- 

 arately felt, its size and consistency noted and sensi- 

 tive or kn o t te d areas observed. The teats should be 

 soft and the milk canal should not be felt; if 

 thickenings or swellings exist, their location, extent, size and 



