Induration and Atresia of the Cervix Uteri 689 



section, as described on page 663, should be performed at a 

 sufficiently early period to give the best opportunity for the 

 saving of the lives of the mother and fetus. The operation leaves 

 the animal worthless for breeding purposes, the common fate of 

 induration or atresia of the cervix, however handled. It is only 

 in exceptional instances that the veterinarian can properly advise 

 an owner to again attempt breeding from an animal which has 

 required surgical aid in parturition as a result of cervical atresia 

 or induration. 



Fleming cites a number of recorded instances of induration and atresia of 

 the cervix uteri. We have met with two noteworthy instances, both in the 

 cow. The first was in a two-year-old heifer, in which case the os uteri was 

 opened sufficiently to admit the passage of the hand, by which means the 

 two anterior feet and head were secured, and traction cautiously applied. 

 The extraction of the fetus was very gradual, and the traction applied was 

 not severe, consisting of the combined power of two men. The progress 

 was very slow. The two anterior limbs were easily brought through the 

 cervix into the vagina and pelvic canal. L,ater the head also passed through, 

 but when the chest was reached there seemed to be a halt. 



Finally during a vigorous expulsive effort, while traction was being 

 applied, there was a loud tearing sound, the fetus advanced rapidly without 

 severe traction and was quickly delivered. The calf was alive. Upon ex- 

 amining the uterine cavity, a great rent was found in the cervical canal, 

 about 10 inches long, which penetrated the peritoneal cavity. Fortunately 

 it was directly at the top of the canal and consequently was advantageously 

 situated in reference to escape of uterine contents into the peritoneal cavity. 

 The heifer recovered without incident. 



The second case was also in a heifer, but in this instance a 3-year-old and 

 of the Polled Angus breed. The pregnant heifer was kept at pasture in a 

 place where she was not under close observation. At about the normal 

 time for parturition, the owner noted the fetal membranes protruding from 

 her vulva and assumed that she had given birth to a calf. The heifer 

 showed some slight expulsive efforts, which he attributed to a retention of 

 portions of the afterbirth. 



In a general way she recovered from the ill-effects of fetal retention, and 

 kept in good condition. She was taken from the pasture and was milked, 

 yielding about two gallons per day. Her appetite and general health 

 seemed to be good, except that at intervals she was affected with a fetid 

 .diarrhea, which soon passed off. Ten weeks later we were called in con- 

 sultation, and upon exploration found the os uteri constricted, permitting 

 the introduction of but two or three fingers, while through it protruded a 

 portion of the tail of the fetus. The constriction was confined to the vaginal 

 portion of the cervix, so that the finger or fingers entered the fully dilated 

 cavity. 



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