826 Veternary Obstetrics 



or less displaced, and tend to be drawn into the pelvic canal, to 

 occupy a position somewhat in the center of that cavity, and the 

 urethra becomes doubled upon itself in such a way as to interfere 

 with the escape of urine, while inside the uterus one or more 

 loops of the intestine may extend down to the fundus of the pro- 

 lapsed organ. 



We have already referred, on page8i6, to the danger of rupture 

 of the prolapsed uterus in various ways. 



The interference with the circulation in the organ, and the 

 irritation of the atmospheric air, constantly accentuate the ten- 

 dency to congestion and inflammation of the organ, while its 

 denuded surface offers an excellent avenue for the introduction 

 of infection. Thus we ma}- observe uterine prolapse ending in 

 gangrene, absces.ses or tetanus. The usual form of infection 

 which supervenes upon this exposure is that of metritis. Flem- 

 ing, citing Funk, records an instance where, in the bitch, the 

 prolapse of one cornu prevented the expulsion of fetuses which 

 still remained in the other horn, necessitating Caesarian section 

 for their removal. 



The prognosis of prolapse of the uterus is exceedingly vari- 

 able, and must always be highly unfavorable except artificial 

 assistance is given, since there is no possibility of spontaneous 

 reduction. Fleming cites one case in a cow in which the organ 

 was devoured by pigs, after which she recovered. Generally 

 speaking, death is inevitable, unless the case has judicious at- 

 tention. Even then the mortality is high. The rapidity with 

 which death occurs will vary according to circumstances and 

 complications. In ordinary cases the animal may live for several 

 days, while in special instances, as in parturient paresis in the 

 cow, death may ensue within a very few hours, rather because 

 of the paresis than of the prolapse. 



The prognosis depends very largely upon the promptness with 

 which competent assistance is given. It is always unfavorable 

 in neglected cases, and very much more favorable where prompt 

 attention is given. 



The prognosis is very greatly influenced by species, being 

 very much more favorable in the cow than in the mare. Flem- 

 ing, citing Deneubourg, states that in an extensive experience 

 he had not lost a case ; and the same author cites Moens as hav- 

 ing had 27 cases without a fatality. Other writers have lost 



