234 INVERSION OF THE UTERUS IN A COW, &c. 
washed the mucous membrane of the uterus, and freed it from the 
filth which covered it. Cloths were then placed more effectually 
to support the womb, and I attempted its reduction. I com- 
menced with the left cornu, which I readily returned, holding it 
by its base, and pushing it with my left hand until it disap- 
peared. I proceeded in the same manner with the right cornu, 
which was disposed of in a similar manner. There was only a 
small part that was not returned, when the cow backed upon me 
with such force that the termination of the right cornu was rup- 
tured, and my hand and arm penetrated into the abdomen. The 
uterus, finding nothing to resist it, was again expelled. 
My first thought was to re-unite the edges of the wound by 
means of a suture : but after having reflected that the animal 
was in a state of great debility ; that the mucous membrane of 
the uterus had been too long exposed to the irritating contact of 
the air; that, by this proceeding, I should strangely lengthen 
the time of the operation ; and that, in somewhat similar cases, 
many of my brethren had obtained a radical cure by excising a 
portion of the uterus ; I did not hesitate in abandoning the re-union 
by a suture, and proceeded to a second reduction of the uterus, 
which was returned into the abdominal cavity without diffi- 
culty. 
In order to prevent a new escape of the womb, I manufactured 
a pessary, which I introduced into the vagina. In point of fact, 
however, it was only a substitute for a pessary ; — it consisted of a 
very light glass tube, which I enveloped in fine lint impregnated 
with a mucilaginous decoction. This was secured in its place by 
means of cords acting as a surcingle. The cow was placed in a 
warm corner of the stable on an inclined plane, the hind quar- 
ters being considerably elevated. 
She was ordered to be put on a restricted diet of gruel made 
of barley-meal, in which was dissolved a small portion of nitre, 
and this was administered several times in the day. Emollient 
injections were also had recourse to. Quietness was likewise 
enjoined, and a warm covering of wool. 
She did not drink during the whole of the day, but seemed 
sadly weak and dispirited ; I therefore ordered some emollient 
drinks to be administered by means of a bottle. 
5th . — She is as much out of spirits as before — she does not 
ruminate — all the mucous membranes that are apparent to the 
view are highly injected — the pulse is fall and accelerated — the 
appetite is quite gone — the loins are bowed — the muzzle dry — 
the hair staling — and the skin clinging to the bones. The dung 
is clotty and hard, and the urine of a very deep colour. The 
