430 
PROLAPSE OF THE VAGINA. 
often assists reposition if the lips of the vulva are held open by assistants 
during the attempts to return the tissues. 
To ensure retention in pregnant animals, trusses are employed, which 
partly close the vulva. Sauberg’s vaginal ring is of the same character 
as West’s clamp, though less perfect; it consists of a metallic ring, which 
is passed through the lips of the vulva. When these are not available, a 
Fig. 176.—Prolapse (inversion) of the vagina. 
couple of wire sutures may be passed through the vulva. The wire 
must be thick enough to prevent tearing out or injuring the vagina when 
it is pressed forwards. Tape is still better. In any case a strong hold 
should be taken of the skin, as the lips of the vulva very readily yield. 
Koepke saw a prolapse of the vagina, as large as a man’s fist, in a three 
year old filly. It occurred suddenly and disappeared without treatment. 
Hewetson saw the prolapse figured (fig. 176) in a two-and-a-half year old 
Clydesdale mare. The vagina had several times appeared prominent previous 
