204 SWINE PRACTICE 



Treatment. — The treatment of metritis in sows is not entirely sat- 

 isfactory, because of the small size of the external genitals which 

 makes it difficult to apply remedial agents. The most successful 

 treatment consists in uterine irrigation, which may in the majority 

 of cases be successfully accomplished by dilating the vagina by 

 means of a speculum and carefully introducing a small tube, such 

 as a horse catheter, into the cervix, then slowly injecting the anti- 

 septic. The injected fluid must be siphoned out, and it is advisable 

 after the irrigation fluid has been withdrawn to inject from one to 

 four ounces of grain alcohol into the uterus. It may be necessary 

 to repeat the irrigation two or three times. Quinine bisulphate in 

 20-grain doses injected into the axillai-y space and repeated in twelve 

 to twenty-four hours will be found of value, particularly in cases 

 of septic metritis. 



TUMORS 



Various tumors, such as fibroma, myxoma, sarcoma, epithelioma, 

 and carcinoma, have been observed in the uterus. The various tumors 

 partake of the same general nature as the same type of tumor else- 

 where in the body. Should an antemortem diagnosis be made, and 

 the tumor found to be producing considerable injury, hysterectomy 

 is indicated. 



Vagina 



Cloaca formation occasionally occurs in swine. This condition 

 results from fusion of the rectum and vagina, there being but one 

 external opening common to the uro-genital and digestive tubes. This 

 deformity does not interfere with health, but it practically prohibits 

 breeding. Although it may be relieved by operation, the value of 

 the animal usually does not warrant such procedure. 



Injuries to the vagina are occasionally inflicted during parturition, 

 but the condition is seldom recognized and rarely causes noticeable 

 after-effects. 



Inflammation of the vagina usually accompanies metritis. The 

 discharge in such cases is usually purulent and' the condition is 

 designated leukorrhea. Vaginal douches relieve simple cases of 

 vaginitis, but if the primary disturbance is within the uterus it 

 must be overcome before the vaginitis will yield to treatment. 



