556 
COMPARATIVE PATHOLOGY. 
called on me, and requested me to be present at an operation 
which he was that afternoon going to perform upon a dog. Of 
course I was at his command ; and when I reached his house, he 
told me the case was one of polypus in the vagina, and he had re- 
solved to remove the growth. The animal being produced, I exa- 
mined it, and detected that the uterus was inverted and protrud- 
ing. The bitch for some few days had been placed in a hayloft, and 
the displaced viscus exhibited an appearance which disheartened 
me. The mucous membrane was covered with dirt, and in many 
parts excoriated ; numerous little nodules, varying in size from a 
pin’s head to a horse-bean, were upon it. These were clearly exu- 
dations of lymph, and were hard, being discoloured on their sur- 
faces. There was some sign of inflammation, but nothing of an 
acute kind, and the health of the bitch seemed not to be much 
affected. 
I saw no chance of success ; the organ had been so largely in- 
jured, and so long exposed, that, even if it were returned, I feared 
the after consequences. The powers of the part I thought must 
have been weakened, or, if not, there was so much to repair, that I 
could not hope the issue would be favourable. This was stated, 
and in reply my friend assured me he looked upon it only as an 
experimental case ; and concluded with a request I would do what 
I pleased, he being prepared to abide by the result. Flattered by 
the confidence thus expressed, I nevertheless was dubious whether 
I should proceed. There seemed to be no chance of doing good, 
and we dislike to be concerned where failure stares us in the face. 
At length I mustered resolution, and in despair I consented to 
conduct the case. The history was now for the first time told. 
The proprietor of the animal, though not a captious or unkind man, 
rising one morning with the stomach probably a little out of order, 
kicked the poor dog in the flank. The blow seemed slight to him 
who gave it, but shortly after something red was seen to present 
itself behind. This red novelty not being withdrawn, the injured 
beast was sent to my friend for treatment; and he, having kept it a 
day or two, had formed the opinion and come to the resolution 
which has been narrated. 
The case is curious. I know of no similar instance in which the 
unimpregnated womb of the bitch has from such a cause been in- 
verted ; but dogs are curious creatures, and deep is the ignorance 
of man concerning them. No animal is so much abused, and no 
brute so often killed by those who volunteer to cure it. 
I began by having a soft clean cloth spread upon a table, and, 
placing the dog on this, with a sponge the uterus was gently moist- 
ened. No^friction was employed, but with tepid water the part 
was carefully sopped. This process was not quick. An hour and 
