Two forms of calculi have been found in the prostate in domestic
animals: 1st, small, round, angular or branched bodies made up in
concentric layers and formed of organic nitrogenous bodies: and 2nd,
genuine calculi of calcium phosphate or ammonia magnesian phosphate.
These may cause pressure on the parenchymatous tissue and atrophy, but
in the lower animals they are seldom the direct cause of prominent
morbid symptoms. They must, however, be recognized as one of the causes
of chronic irritation that contribute to prostatic inflammation and
hypertrophy.
DISEASES OF THE FEMALE GENERATIVE ORGANS.
MALPOSITION OF OVARY AND WOMB. HERNIA OF THE OVARIES.
Inguinal or crural hernia of ovary or womb. Bitch. Long uterine horns,
loose broad ligaments; Sow; Ewe; Cow. Other openings. Symptoms: not
marked: strangulation: inflammation: abscess. Gravid hernial uterus.
Treatment: reduction: surgical means: Cæsarian section.
The most common displacement of the ovary in the lower animals is
through the inguinal or crural arch. It is most frequent in the bitch
doubtless for the reason that the horns of the womb are long, and widely
separated from each other, and in any case of inguinal or crural hernia,
or of undue dilatation of the openings they are liable to pass through.
A relaxation of the broad ligaments is another condition of such
displacement. The laxity of these ligaments in the normal condition in
the sow favors ovarian hernia, and Dupont found the ovaries in the
perineal region in five sows examined. Laux found the condition in ewes,
and Müller in cows, one ovary lying on each side of the mammæ. With
relaxation of the uterine ligaments the hernia might occur in any female
mammal, and not only through the orifices named, but through any normal
or adventitious opening in the abdominal walls.
_Symptoms._ In the bitch the hernia is often overlooked although an
examination of the inguinal region will reveal the presence of a small
nodule and vermiform body which may usually be returned into the
abdominal cavity. In some cases it becomes strangulated by the gradual
contraction of the neck of the hernial sac, followed by swelling, heat
and tenderness of the hernial mass, which may go on to abscess
formation. In exceptional cases impregnation occurs with the womb in
this position and the steady nodular increase of the mass, and finally
the automatic movements of the contained fœtuses become very
characteristic.
_Treatment_ consists in passing the womb and ovary back into the
abdomen, and if adherent or incarcerated, in exposing and releasing, and
if necessary extirpating them. In case of advanced pregnancy with the
gravid womb on the inner side of the thigh, a modified Cæsarian
operation is required without the attendant danger of laying the
peritoneal cavity directly open. Inflammation and abscess must be
treated on general principles.