SOME ACCIDENTS OF PREGNANCY. 55 
spontaneous relaxation of the abdominal aponeuroses. 
It is rare in young animals, 
In the Bitch, ventral hysterocele has been observed 
above the mammary glands—simulating a scirrhous 
enlargement—and in one of the labizw of the vulva, 
beneath the skin. 
Treatment.—Support of the hernia by bandaging 
until the contents of the uterus have been expelled. 
Abortion may have to be artificially induced, or 
hysterotomy performed. 
As amammary tumor may be mistaken for hernia 
in the Bitch, diagnosis should be very carefully made 
in this animal. 
Note.—Referred to also under “Maternal Dystokia,” 
Chapter X, page, go. 
Rupture of the Uterus (ante-partum). 
This accident is not common before the termination 
of the period of gestation. It may occur before, and 
during parturition, due to injuries by the fcetus, or to 
ill-directed efforts to assist at the act, or in attempts to 
reduce the organ when eversion has occurred during 
the act. Other causes are attenuation of the uterine 
walls, hydrops amnii, and distension by the gas evolved 
from a putrefying foetus, etc. 
The dangers resulting from this condition are, 
hemorrhage from the womb, escape of the bowels 
through the opening, and peritonitis, from extension 
of inflammation from the wound, or from the septic. 
fluids escaping into the abdominal cavity. 
