454 Veterinary Obstetrics 



the normal organ, and is usually borne without apparent 

 irritation. 



In order to prevent a recurrence of the eversion, and bring 

 about disinfection and a decrease in the irritation of the part, we 

 have found iodoform, or iodoform and tannin, highly beneficial. 

 In the cow, the powder, enclo.sed in a gelatine capsule, which 

 may be opened with the hand, may be introduced deeply into the 

 vagina and scattered about in the cavity. In the ewe or other 

 small animal the powder can readily be dropped into the vagina 

 by holding the vulvar lips apart with retractors or by introduc- 

 ing a long pair of dressing forceps deeply into the vagina and 

 opening them, holding the walls of the canal apart and dropping 

 the powder into the organ, while the patient is suspended by its 

 hind limbs. 



Another effective means for applying iodoform and tannin or 

 other astringents or local anaesthetics is by means of supposito- 

 ries, which may be made by mixing the desired drugs with tallow 

 and enough wax to give the proper consistency, and then pour- 

 ing these into a suitable mould, according to the species and size 

 of the animal. After they have hardened, they are introduced 

 into the vagina. Such treatment is very soothing to the irritated 

 organ and does much to overcome the infection and straining, 

 which go hand in hand. 



Fleming and others recommend the application of bandages, 

 trusses or sutures to retain the diseased organ in position. We 

 have not found these very satisfactory because there is no way, 

 by either plan, to prevent the vagina from being pushed out 

 against the mechanical devices, thereby causing irritation by 

 pressure against these objects. We have not successfullj' con- 

 trolled the straining until we have eliminated its cause or causes — 

 until we have overcome the infection and inflammation. When 

 this has been accomplished, the disease ceases. In other cases 

 Fleming advises the use of the ring pessary, but the application 

 of this can only intensify the infection. While it may keep the 

 vagina in place, it does not cure, but merely disguises the exist- 

 ence of the malady. 



It is not improbable that the prolapse is often due to fetal 

 death. The general assumption is that the prolapse induces the 

 death of the fetus and thereby complicates the disease, but the 

 reverse may be true. We know that, following parturition,. 



