Fig. 234.—Genital organs in a cow, showing the anatomical relations. R, Rectum; Gr, meso-rectal lymphatic glands; U, ureter; LL, broad ligament; Va, vagina; V, bladder; Cu, uterine cornu; O, ovary; F, Fallopian tube.
VAGINITIS.
Inflammation of the vaginal conduit may be primary or secondary. It usually follows difficult parturition, but may occur under various circumstances. From the clinical standpoint three varieties are distinguished: simple or contagious acute vaginitis; croupal vaginitis; and chronic vaginitis.
ACUTE VAGINITIS.
Causation. Deep-seated genital injuries leading to metritis, excessive and prolonged strains due to painful labours, accidental injuries caused by obstetrical operations, etc., are followed by more or less acute vaginitis.
Suppurative inflammation of Gartner’s canals, irritant and caustic injections, and foreign bodies likewise cause local irritation, which may become complicated by infection and eventually produce vaginitis. The infective organisms may be numerous and varied.
Symptoms. The vagina being closed to external inspection, the symptoms are not very apparent. At first, acute vaginitis is suggested by swelling of the vulva, pruritus, and dysuria. The lips of the vulva are œdematous, injected, sensitive and of a brownish-red or violet-red colour on the internal surface. Sometimes they are excoriated and torn.
The period of full development is accompanied by the escape from the vulva of a serous, mucous, muco-purulent or purulent discharge of varying odour. Urination is painful and defæcation difficult. Examination of the vagina by means of a speculum shows the mucous membrane to be excoriated, ultra-sensitive, ulcerating or suppurating at certain points. The parts are hot.
The general symptoms are little marked, and without importance. The usual termination consists either in recovery, which may be spontaneous, or in passage to the chronic form.
The diagnosis is easy, and the prognosis favourable, provided the vaginitis has not been caused by severe mechanical injuries, capable of setting up cellulitis or the formation of deep abscesses of the pelvis.