The =ovaries= (Fig. 336) are small, elongated-oval in outline, and
flattened. Each ovary is situated close to or in contact with the
posterior pole of the corresponding kidney, and thus lies ventral to the
third or fourth lumbar vertebræ, or about half-way between the last rib
and the crest of the ilium. Each is concealed in a peritoneal pouch, the
=bursa ovarii=, which has a slit-like opening ventrally. The two folds
which form this pouch contain a quantity of fat and unstriped muscle.
They are continued to the cornu of the uterus, constituting the
=mesosalpinx= and the =ovarian ligament=. The surface of the ovary
presents prominences caused by projecting Graafian follicles. There is
no distinct hilus.
The =Fallopian= or =uterine tubes= are small and average two or three
inches (ca. 5 to 8 cm.) in length. Each passes at first forward and then
turns backward, having a straight or only slightly flexuous course. The
fimbriated extremity lies in the bursa ovarii, and has a rather large
opening. The uterine orifice is very small.
The =uterus= has a very short body and two long narrow horns. In a bitch
of medium size the body is about an inch (ca. 2 to 3 cm.) and the cornua
five or six inches (ca. 12 to 15 cm.) long. The horns are of uniform
diameter, are nearly straight, and lie entirely within the abdomen. They
diverge from the body in the form of a V toward each
kidney. Their posterior parts are united by the peritoneum. The neck is
very short and is fused dorsally with the vagina. It has a thick
muscular coat. The mucous membrane of the uterus has long uterine glands
and also short tubular crypts.
The =broad ligaments= contain fat and unstriped muscle. They are much
longer in the middle than at either end. The posterior part is attached
to the anterior part of the vagina. The =round ligaments= are very long,
extending through the inguinal canals, and traceable almost to the
vulva.
The horns of the gravid uterus present dilatations or =ampullæ=, which
contain the fœtuses, and are separated by constrictions. The gravid
uterus lies on the ventral abdominal wall, and toward the end of
gestation extends forward to the stomach and liver.
The =vagina= is relatively long. It is narrow anteriorly, and has no
distinct fornix. The muscular coat is thick and consists chiefly of
circular fibers. The mucous membrane forms longitudinal folds. The
canals of Gartner are usually absent.
[Illustration: