Prolapse of the Vagina ' 455 



endometritis frequently induces vaginal prolapse, which persists 

 until the endometritis is definitely relieved, and this fact raises 

 the question whether a macerating fetus in the uterus may not 

 similarly cause prolapse of the vagina in the pregnant animal. 

 If so, it would evidently be bad surgery to apply mechanical 

 devices to overcome a prolapse dependent upon causes still 

 existing, which the means applied would intensify, instead of 

 overcome. 



The bandage, truss, suture, pessary or other mechanical means 

 for retention not only tends to aggravate the malady in many 

 cases, but is a constant danger for the animal when parturition 

 arrives. There is one redeeming feature in all these mechanical 

 appliances when parturition arrives : they are each and all thrust 

 aside ; sutures are torn out, with resulting deformity ; and labor 

 generally proceeds in spite of the obstacles. This indicates that, 

 if the irritation in the vagina is sufficiently great, each of these 

 means is ineffectual in retaining the prolapsed organ. The ap- 

 plication of each of these mechanical devices will be described 

 under "Prolapse of the Uterus" as a post-parturient accident. 



We have suggested above the use of astringents in combina- 

 tion with iodoform, applied to the diseased organ. Astringents 

 are not to be carried too far. If applied tpo abundantly as a 

 powder or in aqueous solution they may prove too dessicant and 

 harden the vaginal walls. Pushed too far, they may even cause 

 dessicant necrosis of the mucous and muscular walls. Such des- 

 sication endangers the life of the patient by inviting a rupture of 

 the. rigid or necrotic vaginal walls at the time of parturition. 

 The vaginal mucosa should be kept moist. If necessary, the 

 softness and pliability are to be maintained by the application of 

 oil or heavy fats with the iodoform or other disinfectants. 



Systemic medication should not be neglected. We have indi- 

 cated that amongst the chief causes were a general atonic state 

 combined with close confinement and heavy feeding. 



The intestinal tract should be promptly and judiciously un- 

 loaded in order to overcome''the abnormal* intra-abdominal ten- 

 sion as well as to relieve the digestive system from an overload of 

 aliment demanding digestion. If the object can be promptly at- 

 tained by the use of laxative foods, the administration of drugs 

 may not be demanded. Generally, the veterinarian is not war- 



