164 DISEASES OF THE REPRODUCTIVE ORGANS 



as in pregnant animals, and the neck thickens, resembling 

 that of the male. 



In mares there is a frequent and almost continuous estrum 

 followed by failure to conceive or abortion if bred. The 

 patient is ticklish, nervous, frequently switches her tail, 

 blinks the vulva, ejecting small quantities of urine, and often 

 becomes vicious, kicking in harness or biting at other animals 

 or persons who come near her. Some mares on the contrary 

 show symptoms of cerebral depression, as in hydrocephalus 

 (act like dummies) . Very rarely they show maniacal symp- 

 toms or convulsions. If the condition persists for any 

 length of time the patient loses flesh and shows a capricious 

 appetite. 



In sows much the same symptoms occur as in the horse 

 and ox. The sow is continuously in heat, does not conceive 

 when bred, eats poorly and consequently loses flesh and 

 becomes unprofitable. She will mount continuously other 

 swine and may become vicious, attacking other animals or 

 man. 



Treatment. — The best treatment for confirmed cases of 

 nymphomania is ovariectomy which is especially valuable in 

 mares and cows. In some instances crushing the ovarian 

 cysts through the rectum and vagina has given favorable 

 results. The amputation of the clitoris which for a time was 

 much practised in mares is only occasionally successful. 

 Placing a leaden ball in the uterus is rarely of benefit. The 

 use of narcotic drugs such as bromid of potash, morphin 

 and chloral hydrate has but a temporary effect. Laxatives 

 are also employed but do no permanent good. In America 

 large doses of salix nigra have been recommended. The 

 preparation of this drug, made by Lloyd Brothers, of Cin- 

 cinnati, is highly spoken of. Obviously it will have no per- 

 manent effect upon cases of nymphomania due to gross 

 lesions in the reproductive organs. 



Diminished Sexual Desire. — Etiology. — A great many 

 causes may diminish the sexual appetite. The patient may 

 be overfat, of phlegmatic temperament or may be debili- 

 tated from recent illness. Special causes are congenital de- 

 fects and acquired diseases of the reproductive organs. As 



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