PART IV. 

 DISEASES OF THE REPRODUCTIVE ORGANS. 



PUERPERAL SEPTICEMIA. 



Definition. — A septicemia which comes from infected 

 wounds in the birth passages. 



Occurrence. — This form of septicemia which follows par- 

 turition is most common in cows, although it occurs occa- 

 sionally in mares, due to an infected wound (tears) in the 

 vulva, vagina or uterus. 



Etiology. — The causes are usually streptococci or the colon 

 bacillus. The infection is carried into the vagina or uterus 

 with the hands, instruments, ropes, etc., used by the obstet- 

 rician in attempting delivery. The result of the infection is 

 usually an ulcerous or croupodiphtheritic inflammation of 

 the uterus and vagina, with which is usually associated 

 phlegmon. A metritis and perimetritis may at times develop 

 and also a peritonitis. Besides the local conditions noted we 

 have the general changes due to septicemia and pyemia, such 

 as swelling of the parenchymatous organs, hemorrhages, and 

 metastatic abscesses in internal organs. 



Symptoms. — The symptoms of puerperal septicemia de- 

 velop within one to four days after parturition. The animal 

 may show abdominal pain, straining, and from the vagina 

 there will flow at first a blood-stained discharge which later 

 becomes putrid and odorous. The lips of the vulva are 

 edematous, cold, and discolored. The temperature is high, 

 reaching in the cow 107.6° F.; the pulse rapid, irregular, 

 weak; there is no appetite; rumination is suppressed and 

 usually the patient soon lapses into a state of paralysis of the 



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