114 VETERINARY OBSTETRICS, 
It is sometimes due to standing in draughts after 
labor, or lying on a wet, cold bed. Injudicious feeding 
is always a predisposing cause. The sub-acute form 
may be due to other, or similar causes, but often brought 
about by the absorption of some morbid material from 
the cavity of the uterus, or may extend from vaginitis, 
and is frequently due to retention of the placental 
membranes. 
When caused by the absorption of septic material, 
it is called ‘‘septic metritis”. 
In acute metritis, all the tissues become involved, 
—the muscular, mucous, and serous coats; while in 
sub-acute, only the mucous coat may be affected. 
Symptoms of Acute Metrit’s—The animal stops 
feeding, and in cattle, ruminating. There is great 
restlessness, moving from one hind-limb to the other; 
straining occasionally, and frequent attempts to 
micturate. The mucous membrane of the vulva is 
congested; the visible mucous-membranes are also 
injected. The pulse is quick, frequent, and sometimes 
irregular. The Mare behaves as with colic. The Cow 
gets down, and is disinclined to rise. She generally 
lies on her side, grunting occasionally, and grinding 
her teeth. 
In all animals there is a discharge from the vulva, 
which is seen several hours after the origin of the 
disease, and is then dark red in color, passing through 
a chocolate to a dark yellow. 
The ¢reatment depends upon the cause. If possible, 
have the animal made comfortable on a dry, clean bed, 
and avoid draughts of cold air. Elevate the hind- 
