176 THE DISEASES OP THE DOG. 



Prolapsus Uteri, described also as Inversion, is not 

 infrequent, but it is generally only a partial protrusion of 

 the organ into the vaginal canal,* where it may interfere 

 with urination by pressure on the meatus urinarius. 

 Funk mentions a case in which one cornu became inverted 

 and prevented the expulsion of the remaining foetus from 

 the other cornu (Fleming's ' Obstetrics'). The accident 

 usually occurs during parturition, the result of undue 

 straining or traction. It is most frequently seen in 

 bitches which have had several litters of pups and which 

 are debilitated in consequence of recent disease, or want 

 of exercise and improper feeding. In this accident it is 

 necessary to distinguish between protruded womb and a 

 dropped vagina or a polypus. The latter has generally 

 been noticed for some time, but prolapsus uteri vel vaginae 

 occurs suddenly at parturition. The polypus, like the 

 vagina is smooth, soft, glistening, and feels semisolid, but, 

 unlikethe vagina, hasa constrictedneck andno central canal, 

 nor can it be removed by restoration to natural position. 

 The womb is reducible, soft, and rough ; it also generally 

 shows the dark-coloured zone for attachment of the placenta. 

 Thus careful examination will dispel all doubts in diagnosis. 

 Such a lesion may be irreducible on account of swelling 

 of the womb when it has been protruded for some time 

 and there has been active compression on its neck. When 

 the protruded part is of foul odour, dark colour, and much 

 swollen, the practitioner may find it advisable to ligature 

 round its base and amputate either directly or after the 

 lapse of a couple of days, an operation which has been 

 practised with complete success, as by Cross of Milan 

 (' Youatt on the Dog,' p. 230). Generally after the womb 

 has been thoroughly cleansed with warm water it should 

 be restored to position by taxis ; pressure being applied 

 at the fundus by means of a piece of wood with a padded 

 extremity inserted through the orifice with care after 

 being well oiled, and simultaneously the walls being 

 worked gradually through the opening. The process of 

 return is especially difficult and dangerous when the 

 » For an interesting case consult * Veterinarian,' 1875, p. 175. 



