248 Veterinary Obstetrics 



inary practice, partly, perhaps, because it is quite rare, probably 

 largely owing to the fact that its occurrence usually passes un- 

 recognized. The oviducts, when felt per rectum in the cow, 

 are somewhat difiicult to distinguish, as very small, dense, tor- 

 tuous cords, extending from the apex of the uterine cornua, 

 toward the ovary, in the anterior portion of the broad ligament. 

 They are about yV of ^" \xyQ\i in diameter. 



In dealing with diseases of the ovaries on pages 177 and 193, 

 reference has been made to recognized pyosalpinx, or abscess of 

 the oviducts. Abscess of the ovaries, which we have mentioned 

 on page 217, is presumably due to the passage of pyogenic bac- 

 teria from the uterine cornua, through the oviducts, to the 

 ovaries, there to find lodgement and multiply. In thus travers- 

 ing the ducts, a more or less pronounced salpingitis would tend 

 to occur and this is verified by sufficient clinical and post mortem 

 observations. 



The causes of salpingitis, so far as determined, are largely, 

 infectious granular vaginitis in the cow, and retained placenta, 

 especially following contagious abortion in the cow, and other 

 animals. In tuberculosis and some other affections, the ovi- 

 ducts may rarely become inflamed and enlarged so that, accord- 

 ing to Zschokke, they sometimes attain the size of a lead pencil. 



The symptoms have usually passed unobserved, except as re- 

 lated to sterility, the disease leading rarely to nymphomania. 

 Its diagnosis can rest only upon palpation per rectum or va- 

 ginam, by which the ducts may be found enlarged, and their 

 consistence altered. They may be either soft or hard, and may 

 contain abscesses or contents of variable character. 



The prognosis of salpingitis and pyosalpinx is always grave. 

 The disease may abate and the organ recover, but the possibility 

 is a remote one, since any extensive inflammation is likely to 

 lead to adhesions and occlusion which determine permanent ster- 

 ility. If but one tube is involved, it may be surgically removed 

 and the patient rendered capable of breeding. 



3. Metritis. 



Metritis tends in all cases to induce sterility in all animals, 

 sometimes temporary, frequently permanent. The malady occurs 

 under a variety of forms, due to a multitude of causes and having 



