REPORTS OF CASES. 609 
REPORTS OF CASES. 
“ Careful observation makes a skillful practitioner , fait his skill dies with him. By re¬ 
cording his observations, he adds to the knowledge of his profession, and assists by his facts 
in building up the solid edifice of pathological science. ’ ’ 
TORSION OF THE UTERUS IN MARES. 
By W. A. Heck, Maquoketa, Iowa. 
Inspired by Dr. W. J. Martin’s report of “ Torsion of the 
Uterus” as published in the June Review, I submit the following: 
Case /. —At 2 p.m., June 7th, was called to see a 24-year-old 
bay mare, weight about 1100 lbs. Was past due to foal, but all 
the day she had acted strangely ; and making no progress the 
owner grew uneasy and called help. Patient bright and strong 
and in good flesh. Would remain standing rnosf of the time 
and ate grain and hay, but occasionally labor pains would come 
on, when she would lie down and strain. Nothing showing at 
vulva and no discharge. Vulva perhaps a little swollen. Ex¬ 
amination soon revealed torsion of the uterus, the first case I 
had found in an experience covering a period of nine )^ears. 
Unlike Dr. Martin’s case the diagnosis did not bother me, as 
the spiral folds of the vagina were easily made out, showing 
plainly I had a case of left torsion. From my previous read¬ 
ing I had concluded rolling the animal in a recumbent position 
to be the most practical method of accomplishing reduction, 
consequently the casting harness was applied and the mare se¬ 
cured ready for action. Then with my arm in vagina and hand 
pushed as far into the cervix as possible, instructions were 
given for the animal to be turned from right to left over her 
back. After a few unsuccessful attempts she was turned in 
opposite direction, which seemed only to increase the trouble. 
It was a sunny afternoon and no shade, with the weather quite 
warm, and no one without experience can appreciate the enor¬ 
mity of such a task. Finally the twist was so modified that 
with great effort I could insert my hand into uterus. Then I 
thought u success is mine,” only to be chagrined some time 
later by the mare suddenly expiring while I was still at work. 
Post-mortem immediately : Much extravasated blood about cer¬ 
vix, with inflammatory invasion to uterus and peritoneum. 
The foal was extra large and somewhat swollen. Am sure mare 
could not have lived even though I had accomplished delivery. 
Case II .—Morning of June 21st, called 8 miles in country 
to see 9-year-old bay mare, 1100 lbs. Presented similar symp¬ 
toms as No. 1. On examination found left torsion of uterus. 
Profiting by my first experience resolved to try a different pro- 
