"814 PRINCIPLES OF VETERINARY SCIENCE 



The ovaries are frequently at fault. Among the diseases of the 

 ovaries that inhibit functioning may be mentioned cysts, degen- 

 erative changes, tumors, and congenital defects. Occasionally 

 tuberculosis of the uterus or ovaries is the cause. Advanced 

 age, overfatness from close confinement and lack of exercise, or 

 poor condition are also infrequent causes. 



Symptoms. — The affected animal fails to conceive after 

 repeated service, or, if she does conceive, aborts her fetus before 

 it is capable of living a separate existence. In some cases she 

 never comes in heat, in others she is in heat all the time 

 (nymphomania) . 



Treatment. — The first thing to do is to determine the condi- 

 tion of the uterus. This is best done by introducing a non-irritat- 

 ing fluid and then drawing it off for inspection. In the mare 

 this is not very difficult during the period of heat as the cervix 

 is then more or less relaxed and will allow the passage of a return 

 flow irrigator or uterine catheter. In the cow it will usually be 

 found necessary to grasp the lips of the cervix with a long forceps 

 and draw it backward where it can be held firmly so that a small 

 size catheter may be introduced. By careful manipulation the 

 cervical canal can be dilated to permit the passage of a larger 

 catheter. A normal salt solution made by dissolving two level 

 tablespoonfuls of salt in one gallon of freshly boiled, warm water 

 is recommended as the best douche. The old practice of dilating 

 the os uteri and then having the animal served is no longer con- 

 sidered necessary, although artificial insemination has been used 

 with success when it was impossible to find a specific cause for 

 barrenness. 



RETAINED PLACENTA " 



The retention of the afterbirth or "cleanings" occurs less 

 frequently in the mare than in the cow and ewe. 



Causes. — Infection of the uterus with germs is the commonest 

 cause of this disease, which usually accompanies abortion and 

 often results in barrenness. 



Symptoms. — The fetal membranes instead of coming away 

 of their own accord shortly after parturition, remain attached 

 in the uterus. Portions are usually to be seen hanging from the 

 vulva. 



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