312 THE INDIAN JOURNAL OF VETERINARY SCIENCE AND ANIMAL HUSBANDRY [V, IV
If pregnancy can be definitely dismissed, the cervix may be secured by means
of a pair of cervical forceps (Vulsellum forceps) and retracted towards the vulva
with the left hand to facilitate examination per rectum with the right hand. This
helps to bring the genital organs within reach if the uterus is in a flabby and
atonic (metritic) condition and has gone beyond the brim of the pelvis.
The cervix, body and cornua of the uterus can be easily palpated. Normal
Fallopian tubes (about 1/8" in diameter) are difficult to palpate, but when diseased,
they are easily palpable and may be found diffusedly enlarged or show isolated
cystic enlargements. The ovaries are loosley attached and lie, in a non-pregnant
case, on the pelvic floor where they can be easily traced and palpated. The broad
ligaments of the uterus cannot be felt per rectum, but the middle uterine artery can
be felt and its diameter and pulsation are noted in diagnosing early pregnancy.
Carefully note the size, tone, consistency, sensitiveness and the contents of
the uterus and oviducts. Any other defect like the atrophy of any part or the
presence of tumours should be looked for. The presence or absence of cysts or a
corpus luteum on the ovaries should also be carefully noted. It is important to
differentiate between a cyst, a corpus luteum and a Graafian follicle. A cyst causes
irregularity in the œstral cycle, whereas a corpus luteum prevents its
occurrence. On palpation a corpus luteum is a distinct hard, fleshy body, whereas
a cyst is a distinct " bladder " and usually ruptures on pressure. Distinction
between a maturing Graafian follicle and a cyst is not so easy. Size alone is
nothing very much to go upon and the only reliable evidence in these cases is the
œstral history of the case. Cows with a regular œstral cycle do not have cysts.
One must also differentiate between an abnormal simple persistence of corpus
luteum and a corpus luteum occurring in " silent heat " where maturation of a
Graafian follicle occurs without any evidence of œstrum. This can be done
by repeated examination of the case at a few days interval to ascertain if the corpus
luteum disappears of its own accord and ovulation occurs or is a persistent one.
In cases of nymphomania the uterus is flabby, cysts are present on one or both
the ovaries, but no corpus luteum is present, and the os uteri is dilated.
(ii) Examination per vaginum.—The vulvar lips are opened and any evidence
of vaginitis is looked for. A vaginal speculum with a torch light may be used to
examine any abnormality of the cervix uteri and the vaginal walls. Then insert
the hand into the vagina and look for a uterine " seal " or any discharge.
If the os uteri is dilated, insert the cervix dilator and see how much it can be
dilated and whether by the use of this instrument any discharge flows from the
uterus. In uterine infections the discharge is usually purulent or muco-purulent,
opaque, thick and yellow, while in simple leucorrhea the exudate is sero-mucoid,
greyish, translucent like white of an egg.
A return flow catheter may be used to learn about the uterine contents, if
otherwise impossible, especially if pyometra is suspected, when the first return
flow should be examined for floculi of pus, etc.