The patients, or some of them at least, have slight colic and peritonism when the infection extends to the peritoneal pockets at the entrance to the pelvis. At a later stage they appear prostrate, remain lying, and seem to be suffering from paralysis of the hind quarters.
None of these general symptoms are in themselves significant, and to appreciate them at their true value the local signs must be taken into account.
The external genital organs are moderately swollen, the vagina is infiltrated and sensitive, and is soiled by exudate of varied character.
The neck of the uterus is sometimes prematurely contracted after the first or second day, constituting a troublesome complication both in examining the parts and in treatment. When, however, it is dilated and the hand can be passed, it is found that the uterus itself is not contracted or is only half-contracted, and that it is filled with a reddish-grey liquid of putrid appearance, sometimes without smell, at others fœtid or even putrid.
The uterine mucous membrane is infiltrated, thickened, and extremely fragile, partially destroyed, and breaks at the slightest touch. The cotyledons may become loosened by necrosis, and accumulate in the depression formed by the gravid horn of the uterus; otherwise they may be detached without difficulty.
When the neck of the uterus is prematurely contracted direct exploration gives no result, but rectal examination reveals a much enlarged uterus, filled with liquid or distended with putrid gas.
If, however, the after-birth has not come away, fragments of fœtal membranes may be removed from the deeper portions of the uterus or the surface of the cotyledons.
Death is inevitable unless treatment is early initiated. The animals succumb to infection produced by germs entering the vascular apparatus. When the infection extends by contiguity of tissue to the peritoneal cavity the immediate causes of death are infection and intoxication. In cases where the infection remains localised within the uterus the animal is poisoned by the absorption of toxins through the uterine mucous membrane.
The condition may prove fatal in from four to six days in the cow, but in a shorter period in the goat, ewe, and bitch.
Lesions. The uterus is excessively fragile, and can be torn at will. The mucous membrane in which the microorganisms more particularly develop appears necrosed in places. Large areas are sloughing or ulcerated.