514 A LECTURE ON THE DISEASES INCIDENTAL TO 
uterus, then, either with the hand or stilet and canula, penetrate 
the membranes containing the fluid. This decidedly is the 
most advisable method, but is not in every case practicable ; 
when not, the same end may be accomplished by tapping 
through the lower part and right side of the abdomen : after 
withdrawing the fluid apply supporting bandages, and admi- 
nister tonics and diuretics. 
Inversion of the Vagina, or first passage, occasionally presents 
itself about the time of parturition, and although it cannot be 
regarded as an affection of a very serious character, yet is 
exceedingly troublesome, and is commonly attended with a 
considerable amount of irritation. It is an occurrence to which 
both young and old cows are at times liable, but attributable in 
each of these cases to distinct causes : in the former it usually 
arises from a too plethoric state of the system ; and in old 
animals from the placid and enlarged condition of the parts. 
The treatment, therefore, will be subject to variation : in young 
cows, when dependent on the above cause, we must endeavour 
to allay the irritation and accompanying general excitement 
by abstracting blood and the administration of sedatives, also 
by the use of local fomentations and the application of bella- 
donna. Place the animal in a situation favourable to the gravi- 
tation of the parts, by keeping the fore quarters lower than the 
hind, and after returning the inversion, apply the vaginal truss 
apparatus, which should be allowed to remain on until the time 
of calving, and immediately after should be again adjusted, as 
inversion of the uterus succeeding parturition very frequently 
follows such cases. In old animals the mechanical assistance re- 
quired will be similar to that just described; but, instead of bleed- 
ing and fomenting, we should give stimulants, and, as local ap- 
plications, use lotions of a cooling and sedative nature. Many 
parties are in the habit of employing sutures, inserted through 
the side of the vulva, to prevent a recurrence of the inversion; 
but such a practice undoubtedly tends to keep up the irritation 
of the parts, and certainly cannot be considered so advantageous 
or effective as the truss apparatus alluded to. 
Having noticed the principal affections to which the cow is 
subject during the months of pregnancy, and severally consi- 
dered the causes, symptoms, and treatment, I shall now allude 
to the difficulties occasionally met with at the time of parturi- 
tion. To render this division of my subject complete, I am 
convinced of the necessity of giving an accurate anatomical 
description of the various parts concerned ; but as I should by 
such a course greatly infringe upon your time and patience, I 
