717 
CASES OF UTERINE DROPSY, &C. 
fluid, which I allowed to escape, in order to examine the lungs; 
but, to my astonishment, no lungs could I find, not even a portion— 
nothing but a quantity of fetid matter adhering to the bifurcation 
of the windpipe, and which bore not the least resemblance to the 
substance of the lungs. 
In conclusion, I beg to say, that as I did not keep any notes of 
this case, I merely send you facts from memory. I am only sorry 
that this strange case has not fallen into abler hands than mine, 
so that it might have been fuller and more satisfactorily explained. 
Perhaps some of your numerous and talented correspondents have 
met with similar cases; and by the insertion of them in your 
widely circulated Journal, they will confer a great favour on me 
as an individual, and on your readers generally. 
CASES OF UTERINE DROPSY, &c. 
By Mr. J. Relph, V.S., Sehergham. 
The annexed cases may tend to elucidate the existence and 
treatment of uterine dropsy; an affection not mentioned (to my 
knowledge) by any of our authors. 
On the 13th August, 1840, I went to Mrs. Jefferson’s, of Green- 
rig, to examine a good short-horned heifer that had, during the last 
three weeks, evinced uneasiness in the pubic region, by frequently 
expelling faeces and urine, accompanied with too much straining. 
She was now much emaciated; there was a tendency to doze; 
little appetite; a frequent and weak pulse, and quickened respi¬ 
ration, especially when moved. 
On examination per rectum, that viscus was found closely 
pressed to the spine by the distention of the uterus with a fluid. 
Thus perceiving that the disease was dropsy of the uterus, and 
convinced of the necessity of the immediate evacuation of the fluid 
in order to save the animal, I at once attempted with the finger to 
force open the os uteri, but met with such resistance from the con¬ 
tracted state of the vagina and strength of the os uteri, as induced 
me to relinquish the task until ung. belladon. had been applied*. 
Half an hour after that, much relaxation took place, and the pas¬ 
sage gave way with comparatively slight force. 
A thin straw-coloured offensive fluid gushed out: she was al- 
* With a view to paralyze muscular action in difficult cases of parturition 
(particularly when premature), retention of urine, &c., I have for some years 
employed topically ung. belladon. with, at least, fancied benefit. My ta¬ 
lented friend, Mr. Carlisle, to whom I communicated its use in these cir¬ 
cumstances, seems to have practically verified my opinion of it. 
Would it succeed in intestinal spasm ? 
VOL. XIII. 5 C 
