The Abdomen 277 



pent-up uterine secretions). A twist existed at its junction with 

 the body of the organ and this had prevented free discharge. 



Treatment. The cases cited above emphasize the importance 

 of ascertaining whether any fetuses remain behind or not in all 

 difficult parturition cases. This can be done in almost any case by 

 digital palpation of the abdomen and genital passages. The pres- 

 ence of such being suspected, explorative celiotomy must be under- 

 taken. Relief is afforded either by reduction of the torsion, or if 

 necessary by complete extirpation of the organ. 



RUPTURE. 



This is a very rare accident and when it takes place it is usually 

 due to rough use of obstetrical instruments. It is said to occur also 

 spontaneously. If the organ contains fetuses the latter may pass 

 through the rent into the peritoneal cavity. The lesion is always 

 serious either from shock or infection of the peritoneum, and the 

 animal usually succumbs. 



Symptoms and Diagnosis. When rupture occurs during par- 

 turition the contractions of the organ immediately cease and the 

 animal is prostrated. On the finger being introduced within the 

 uterus, the muscular wall is felt interposed between it and the fetus, 

 particularly when the latter is pushed up towards the pelvic region 

 by external abdominal manipulation. Suspicion of the condition 

 calls for prompt explorative celiotomy. 



Treatment. The abdominal cavity being opened, fetuses and 

 membranes must be removed, the cavity flushed with moderately 

 hot sterilized water and drainage provided to carry off peritoneal 

 fluids. It is not necessary to suture the rent in the wall of the uterus. 



NEOPLASMS. 



The growths affecting the uterus are usually innocent in char- 

 acter. The commonest are fibromata, while myomata and lipomata 

 and cystic accumulations occur with less frequency. Malignant car- 

 cinomata have also been observed but they are rare. 



Fibromata. These tumors spring from the muscular wall and 

 are often in part myomatous, in fact, Sutton believes that many 

 tumors described as fibroids are primarily leiomyomata and later 

 undergo fibrous degradation. They may grow either towards the 



