900 Veterinary Obstetrics 



potassium iodide or other similar remedies in large doses, in addi- 

 tion to vigorous local disinfection. 



In all cases of dystokia where the obstetrist has reason to fear 

 vulvo- vaginitis, he should apply strict prophylactic measures, in 

 the form of careful and repeated irrigations with warm antisep- 

 tics, and the washing of the tail, vulva, anus and surrounding 

 parts frequently with reliable antiseptics like 2.5% carbolic acid 

 solution. 



5. Cystitis. 



Septic inflammation of the bladder, as a result of puerperal in- 

 fection, is not a very common malady in domestic animals. We 

 have observed one case in the mare, which we have already briefly 

 related at the bottom of page 778. 



After overcoming the dystokia, the vagina and vulva were 

 cleansed as well as practicable, but the case was neglected and 

 not seen by us again for some weeks, when we found severe vag- 

 initis, vulvitis and cystitis. The cystitis was the most formid- 

 able of the lesions. The meatus was open, and the index finger 

 could readily be passed into the cavity of the bladder. The walls 

 of the bladder were thickened, and the mucosa was thrown into 

 extensive folds, which were covered over by crusts of urinary 

 salts, mixed with pus. The purulent urine had a very fetid odor. 

 The cavity of the bladder was small, and the thickened walls 

 paretic and inextensible, so that the urine flowed from the bladder 

 involuntarily, producing an intense irritation of the vulva. 

 Dribbling down constantly over the thighs, the urine kept these 

 parts repulsively soiled and excoriated, and the tail constantly 

 wet and filthy. 



The treatment of purulent cystitis consists essentially of 

 the disinfection of the vagina, vulva and bladder. Somewhat 

 mild and efficient antiseptic fluids, such as a 0.5% solution of 

 carbolic acid, or, perhaps better, 0.1% permanganate of potash, 

 should be injected into the cavity of the bladder. On account 

 of the precipitation of the urinary salts on the walls of the blad- 

 der, it might be well to slightly acidulate the fluids injected into 

 the viscus, in order that the urinary salts may be dissolved, and 

 hence the irritation caused by their presence overcome. The 

 disinfection of the vagina, vulva and bladder should be frequently 

 repeated, at least once a day, and persisted in until complete 

 recovery is assured. 



