THE GENERATIVE APPARATUS. l7§ 



toleration of such injuries in the larger herbivorous 

 mammals. We may remark, also, the great tendency there 

 is in the bitch to the development of tumours from the 

 wall of the vagina and vulva. Such tumours are generally 

 described as cancer, but, with Mayhew, we must conclude 

 that malignant growths are much less frequent in the 

 genital passages of the bitch than has been supposed. 

 In every case examined after removal, both with the 

 microscope and by dissection, supposed epithelial cancer 

 from this situation has turned out merely proliferation of the 

 vulvo-vaginal walls as an immediate result of local injury ; 

 so marked is this tendency to proliferation that even after 

 excision such tumours are liable to recur. They require 

 in all cases to be treated in good time surgically, if left 

 alone they increase rapidly in size, and by the acridity of 

 their discharges produce vulvo-vaginal irritation and much 

 inconvenience. True Cancek of the vulva and vagina 

 may exist. It is said to result from the too free use of 

 stimulant injections into this passage to excite the sexual 

 desire of the animal ; it probably more frequently has in- 

 juries as its immediate exciting cause. 



Tumours in the Vagina are not of rare occurrence, and 

 they are of several kinds ; Lipomata are more frequent in 

 the bitch than in the female of any other known species. 

 They vary in size and are generally removable with ease. 

 Condylomata (warts) are noted by Peuch as specially 

 liable to recur in the vagina. Sometimes small and in- 

 significant, they in other cases may prove a serious impedi- 

 ment to parturition or give rise to a leucorrhceal discharge. 

 They are irregular in outline, lobulated, and irritable. 

 Fibromata also are frequently seen. True polypus has 

 been recorded in many instances, and it may be classed as 

 uterine or vaginal according to the point of attachment of 

 its pedicle. It is smooth, vascular, and more or less 

 resistent. Care must be taken lest it be confounded with 

 everted bladder or prolapsed womb. These tumours 

 when hard and well defined may be removed by operation ; 

 a true polypus may be taken off by ligature, twisting, or 

 evulsion. The chain ecraseur is the best instrument for 



