Eversion of the Vagina 851 



pendent upon disease of the uterine cavity, the symptoms of 

 general disease will depend upon the uterine affection rather than 

 upon the prolapse of the vagina. In vesico-vaginocele, the 

 irritation is very great, and the difficulty in urinating tends to 

 further complicate the course of the disease, leading as a general 

 rule to more or less continuous and violent expulsive efforts! 



A manual exploration should be made by the veterinarian to 

 determine the condition of the vagina, uterus and neighboring 

 organs. 



Referring to differential diagnosis, de Bruin suggests the 

 possibility of confusion between prolapse of the vagina, 

 vaginal tumors, retention cysts of Bartholini's glands, and in- 

 version of the bladder. A careful examination, however, will 

 reveal the characters of each in such a way as to bring about a 

 differentiation. Tumors of the vagina are necessarily attached 

 to some portion of the wall. 



Bartholini's glands lie upon the lateral portions of the floor of 

 the vestibule, and, when they become distended with retained 

 contents, appear as fluctuating tumors. The prolapsed bladder 

 may readily be recognized by its point of attachment, the drib- 

 bling of urine from its surface at the point of opening of the 

 ureters, and the absence of the urethral opening. 



The prognosis of the disease is largely dependent upon the 

 cause. As a general rule it is not dangerous for the life of the 

 animal, but when caused by chronic inflammation of the uterus, 

 complicated by retained afterbirth, it should be regarded as 

 serious. The condition has the further danger of consequent 

 sterility. 



In some cases the patient may suffer from prolapse of the 

 vagina for days and even weeks, with great swelling and ulcera- 

 tion or necrosis of the mucous membrane, though with little 

 danger for the life of the animal. One of the most unfavorable 

 features of the disease is its tendency to recur. 



Handling. The first aim is the replacement of the organ, 

 which should always be preceded by thorough cleansing and 

 disinfection. In bringing about the cleansing of the prolapsed 

 organ, care should be taken to decrease rather than increase the 

 irritation present, in order that when it is returned the method of 

 handling shall not cause pain, and thereby expulsive efforts. 

 De Bruin advises the use of a 2 to 3 % creolin solution or a 2 % 

 carbolic acid or alum solution, placing special emphasis upon the 



