426 
INJURIES AND INFLAMMATION OF THE YULYA, ETC. 
is long retained. For the same reason, wounds of the lower vaginal 
wall are graver than those of the upper; but even perforating wounds 
generally heal without bad results, as is well shown by the results of 
castrating animals after Charlier’s method. 
An extremely severe injury, sometimes produced during delivery of 
a very large foetus, or by the fore legs of one of ordinary size, is rupture 
of the upper wall of the vagina and lower wall of the rectum. Some¬ 
times the parts are only perforated, and a recto-vaginal fistula results; 
but in others the parts are torn for a distance of 10 to 12 inches from 
the opening of the vagina. Faeces then pass from the rectum into the 
vagina, setting up vaginal catarrh, which may extend to the bladder and 
uterus. Breeding from such animals is out of the question. The 
condition is not fatal, but implies such unpleasant complications as to 
render the animal almost worthless. For the surgical treatment of 
rupture of the perineum and recto-vaginal fistula, see “Perineal Hernia” 
and “Anal Fistula.” Humbert and Beaufils cured four cases of perineal 
rupture by inserting double rows of tape sutures. In the most serious 
case the vulva, anus, and recto-vaginal septum were implicated. 
The treatment of non-perforating wounds of the vagina requires 
particular care in pregnant animals, and in those having just been 
delivered. The foetal membranes must be removed as soon as possible, 
and the vagina and uterus repeatedly washed out with creolin, carbolic or 
alum solution; in mares, diluted sublimate solution (1 in 5,000) may also 
be employed. One of the best disinfectants is a dilute solution of iodine 
and potassium iodide of about the colour of sherry. It has the advan¬ 
tage of not setting up violent expulsive efforts, as do most of the other 
fluids named. Injuries to the vulva or its neighbourhood should be 
swabbed with 10 per cent, solution of chloride of zinc, so as to form an 
eschar, and diminish the chance of absorption through the wound. It 
is better to avoid washing out perforating wounds, because of the 
danger of thus causing peritonitis. If within reach, as when affecting 
prolapsed organs, such wounds may be sutured before reducing the 
prolapse. 
Wounds of the uterus are caused, during parturition, by instruments 
or by the little animal’s feet, and in cases of prolapse, by external 
violence ; rupture of the pregnant uterus has also been seen. When 
diseased the uterus naturally tears more readily than when healthy, and 
such accidents are therefore commoner after metritis. Whether, as has 
been stated, rupture is produced by dropsical conditions of the mem¬ 
branes seems doubtful; more frequently it results from violent interference 
when the foetus is in an awkward position. 
Buhl found the uterus of a young pregnant cow completely torn away 
from the vagina, and adherent to the rectum, between which and the displaced 
