RUPTURE OF THE VAGINA. 
4H3 
movements, but so are many stallions at the commencement of the 
season, and yet they do not injure the female. Again, when we con¬ 
sider the shape of the glans penis, the great elasticity of the vaginal 
walls, and their constant lubrication with mucous, it seems scarce¬ 
ly possible that this accident should occur. On the other hand, 
during the period of oestrum, some mares have a highly congested 
condition of the generative organs, accompanied by more or less 
dryness of the mucous membranes of the vulva and vagina, which 
would render the copulative movements less easy than in other 
instances. This, then, might be a predisposing cause of rupture, 
but I do not know that the condition was present in either case 
which I have seen. Lastly, is to be considered the effects of in¬ 
jecting the spermatic fluid into the peritoneal cavity. That this 
would be sufficient of itself to cause peritonitis is not probable, 
for being composed of mucous fluid, but slightly alkaline, like the 
peritoneal fluid, it could scarcely prove sufficiently irritating to 
set up inflammation. The peritonitis, then, must be considered 
as one of the results of the laceration and contusion of the peri¬ 
toneum and adjacent tissues, combined with the entrance of at¬ 
mospheric air into the peritoneal sac. 
Regarding the treatment in these cases, if called early, the 
wound in the vaginal walls, where its nature will permit, should 
be closed by the glover’s suture and healing by the first intention 
secured if possible. Suturing in this locality is by no means easy, 
and where it cannot be accomplished the vulva should be covered 
with a thick pad and bandage, to prevent the entrance of air when 
the animal strains or micturates. Local applications, when neces¬ 
sary, should be made with a sponge, as injections may enter the 
abdominal cavity. Constitutional symptoms, if any are presented, 
should be combatted with the usual remedies, constipation pre¬ 
vented and appropriate diet furnished. The complications are 
the principal source of danger, and their appearance will give 
special indications for treatment. 
