278 Surgical Diseases and Surgery of the Dog 



lumen of the organ or in the direction of the peritoneal cavity. In 

 the former case, the larger growths may project through the os and 

 even past the vulva. 



Symptoms and Diagnosis. Presence of these growths is recog^ 

 nizable by external appearances supplemented by digital palpation. 

 In one instance reported by Romani the tumor seemed to provoke 

 reflex coughing. It prolapsed through the vagina and vulva during 

 a fit of coughing and the coughing recurred when it was pushed 

 back within the vagina, but again ceased on further prolapse. 



It is important in diagnosing growths occupying the vaginal 

 passage to carefully ascertain whether they are of vaginal or uterine 

 origin. 



Treatment. Extirpation is indicated. If it is not desired to 

 preserve the reproductive capacity it is better to remove the entire 

 uterus together with the ovaries. Tumors which project into the 

 vagina should be removed by way of abdominal section and not by 

 ligation within the vagina. 



Hydrometra. This condition is characterized by accumulation 

 and retention of the products of normal glandular secretions within 

 the uterus. It may arise from any of the following causes : Occlu- 

 sion of any part of the canal (generally the cervical extremity) 

 through cicatrization occurring as a result of endocervicitis origi- 

 nating from injury received during parturition ; Occlusion through 

 pressure by the ring in inguinal hernia ; Occlusion by surgical means 

 in those instances where the organ is ligated and severed as a simple 

 but bungling method of preventing gestation. In any case, unless 

 pyogenic microorganisms gain entrance, or strangulation takes 

 place, the condition has no ill-effect on the animal. 



Symptoms and Diagnosis. An animal affected in this manner 

 is generally regarded as being pregnant owing to the distension 

 of the abdominal cavity, but persistence of the enlargement and ab- 

 sence of lactation serve to correct this impression. Contrasted with 

 the condition known as Pyometra, there is no change in the ap- 

 pearance of the external genitals, no pain on palpation, anorexia, nor 

 emaciation; in fact the physical equilibrium is in no wise dis- 

 turbed. It may be more easily confounded with obesity. Operative 

 measures are unnecessary except in inguinal hernia where there is 

 danger of strangulation. 



Treatment. This consists in total ablation of the organ to- 

 gether with the ovaries. 



