TUMOURS OF THE OVARY.
We might repeat in regard to tumours of the ovary what has just been said as regards those of the uterus, though the former are much commoner than the latter.
Clinically, ovarian tumours may be grouped under two heads, solid tumours and cystic tumours—the first represented by the fibromata, fibro-sarcomata and epitheliomata, the second by uni- or multi-locular cysts.
All these tumours are dangerous; they may develop rapidly, and they rarely fail to produce disturbance, the animals presenting various genital troubles, among which may be mentioned sterility and nympho-mania.
The cystic tumours, which develop at the expense of epithelial invaginations of the peritoneal covering or at the expense of Pflüger’s tubes, and not, as was formerly believed, by the morbid development of the Graafian vesicles, constitute dangerous growths, true cysto-epitheliomata or cystic epitheliomata, capable of producing fatal complications (vascular disturbance, local or general peritonitis, compression of the ureters, etc.).
The diagnosis must be arrived at by vaginal and rectal examination. It is usually possible to distinguish the condition from disease of the kidney, bladder, or pelvic lymphatic glands.
Treatment. The only possible treatment is removal of the diseased ovary and of the ovarian tumour, but much depends on circumstances. If a large tumour has formed extensive adhesions, ablation may be impracticable or so dangerous that under the circumstances in which veterinary practitioners are forced to operate it cannot be undertaken. If, on the contrary, the ovarian growth is free and pedunculated, even though of large size, extirpation is possible.
The method is exactly similar to that of castration of the cow, and follows the same rules, but the vaginal incision has to be much longer, so as to allow the entire hand to be passed as far as the tumour. The pedicle is divided by means of the écraseur, which should be worked very slowly. In removing very large tumours, however, it is possible to operate from the flank.