RIGIDITY OR SPASM OF THE CERVIX UTERI. 



In the cow a condition is occasionally met with which is 

 attributed to a spasmodic contraction of the cervix uteri, of such 

 a character as to constitute a more or less serious obstacle to 

 parturition. It is difficult to define clearly and definitely what 

 constitutes rigidity or spasm of the cervix, and to differeiitiate 

 between it and induration. At best this condition is largely a 

 comparative one, and may, be due as much to defective uterine 

 contractions as to an abnormal contraction or spasm of the 

 cervix. 



Symptoms. The symptoms by which, it is claimed, we may 

 recognize rigidity or spasm of the cervix consist largely of a non- 

 dilation of the cervical canal, in spite of the fact that the labor 

 pains are apparently normal and that no disease of the cervix 

 itself can be detected by examination. In describing the cervix 

 of the uterus in ruminants, we noted its elongated and narrow 

 canal the abundance of circular muscle fibers in its walls, 

 with the large amount of connective tissue. This gives a very 

 firm and rigid character to the normal organ. 



In one instance which came under our observation, the keeper 

 of some pedigreed cows had one morning found, projecting from 

 the vulva of a cow, the head of a fetus. The cow was at about 

 the 6th month of gestation. The head of the fetus was re- 

 moved by the attendant ; its body promptly dropped back into 

 the uterine cavity ; the cervix contracted, and the canal was 

 closed. The attending veterinarian failed to introduce his hand 

 through the constricted cervical canal, and the fetus was allowed 

 to remain in the uterus until thoroughly decomposed, when, 

 some ID weeks later, the remains were expelled. Such would 

 seem to be a well-marked case of rigidity of the cervix, because 

 its dilatability had been proven by the fact that the head of the 

 fetus had passed through it. Its rigidity was emphasized by 

 the fact that the attending veterinarian was unable to introduce 

 his hand through the cervix, through which the fetal head had 

 passed but a few hours before. 



As one of the prominent symptoms, we must consequently 

 recognize first of all the existence of expulsive efforts without 

 corresponding dilation of the cervical canal. ^ Upon examining 

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