PROLAPSE OF THE UTERUS. 
4.? 2 
open for a long time, partly because the manipulation necessary to 
remove the after-birth favours inversion. Violent interference during 
parturition may also give rise to it. Relaxation of the cervix is the 
second necessary condition; the disease is therefore rare, except soon 
after delivery. 
Symptoms. As already remarked, incomplete prolapse, i.e., inversion 
of a portion of the uterus, is seldom directly observed, though it some¬ 
times causes metritis and death; usually, however, it may be detected 
by introducing the hand into the uterus. 
In complete prolapse of the uterus, a swelling, covered by mucous 
membrane, and similar to that in prolapsus vaginse, appears beyond the 
vulva. In cows, it resembles a half-filled sack; in mares, its form is 
more cylindrical, the organ sometimes reaches as far downwards as the 
animal’s hocks; the surface is not infrequently covered by after-birth, 
but if the latter has already been removed, the cotyledons, which in 
cattle have a musliroom-like form, are exposed. The surface gradually 
dries, and often becomes soiled and wounded. In swine, the prolapsed 
uterus is not infrequently bitten by the other occupants of the sty. 
The prognosis is most favourable in cows, provided the uterus is not 
much injured and has not been exposed more than three or four hours. 
Reposition, though certainly not easy, is yet generally possible, and if 
not, the animal’s life can, as a rule, still be saved by amputation. In 
other animals, and particularly in mares, the disease takes a graver, 
and usually fatal, course, especially if the uterus is much damaged. 
Fenner, however, cured a mare after suturing a wound about 4 inches 
in length, involving the mucous and muscular coats. Korner removed 
the uterus in a mare by ligature, and had good results. Violent pains 
and delirious attacks certainly occurred, but only lasted one day. Goats 
and pigs have also been saved by amputation. 
Not infrequently the uterus or vagina is ruptured, leading to prolapse 
of the rectum, in which case the animals always die unless assistance is 
promptly afforded, and often even when it has been given. 
Treatment. I he organ must first be protected from injury by applying 
a clean cloth. Provided the parts are not much injured, and the tissues 
have undergone no great change, reposition should be attempted. The 
operation is assisted by placing the animal with the fore-quarters lower 
than the hind; but if it cannot stand, it is placed on its back, with the 
hind limbs as high as possible. 
Anaesthesia greatly assists reposition. Bang recommends giving the cow 
subcutaneously 7 to 20 grains of morphine, and a further dose of 6 to 10 
drachms of chloral hydrate, by the mouth or in a clyster. Failing this, 
1 to 2 pints of brandy may be given. Morphine often acts as an exci¬ 
tant ; chloral is preferable. To diminish the severe straining as much as 
