INVERSION OF THE UTERUS. 
779 
commencing to operate at the fundus of the organ, for the ex¬ 
trusion of the foetus. We find that the thorax and shoulders of 
the foetus, when they arrive at the inlet of the pelvis, and as 
they form the deepest and most difficult part of the young 
creature s body, the contractions which ensue for its expulsion 
are most powerful and continuous, in order to impel it slowly 
towards the outlet. Now, as this is done, the space increases 
between the fundus of the uterus and the body of the foetus (as 
mentioned before), and to expel the croup these contractions are 
still powerful and continuous, and when the circular muscular 
fibres do not contract in proportion to what the longitudinal 
fibres do inversion is inevitable. 
Tj ecitment. In treating, inversion of the uterus the first step 
necessary is to combat the local symptoms. Should the foetal mem¬ 
branes still be adherent to the uterine surface, they must be care¬ 
fully removed. If there are any torn or gangrenous portions of mu¬ 
cous membrane they are also to be excised in the same manner. 
If the uterus is torn it may be necessary to close the wound by 
sutures. When this is done the uterus should be cleansed from 
all foreign matters adhering to its surface, which may be effect¬ 
ed by means of a soft sponge or cloth, the fluid employed being 
either warm water, warm water and milk, or even warm fresh 
milk alone. And last, but not least, the antiseptics, which are 
a very important factor in this operation (creolin preferred). 
Have the animal in a standing position if possible. If you have 
to reduce it in a recumbent position, place the animal on its 
back, and as soon as it is returned into the abdominal cavity 
turn the animal on its side. Alluding to the standing position, 
when the preliminary measures are done, ready for the reduction 
or reposition of the uterus, saturate completely the entire mass 
with cotton-seed oil ; then put a cloth or towel well moistened, 
held by two assistants, under the uterus, so that the organ may 
be lifted as high as the vulva. By doing so there is neither 
traction nor compression on the mass, and it allows the operator 
more freedom, and at the same time assists its reposition. Then, 
with well-oiled hands and arms and closed fists, seek for the 
t 
