ae ns

DARKEN MARCO,

BY G2©, fe YRORD.

ARTICLE READ BEFORE UNITED STATES VETERINARY MEDICAL

ASSOCIATION, D: C., SEPT. 161TH, 13801.

BARREN MARES,

/

By C. C. LYFORD,

M. D., B.S.,D.V.S.

COM YY RIGHa? EP.
( \ a it S | )
\ PP les hE A
SS 4¥N¢
MINNEAPOLIS,

MOFFETT & THURSTON,
PRINTERS.

me

[Article read before the United States Veterinary Medical As-
sociation, at Washington, D. C., September 16, 1891.]

BARREN MARES.

Bye Cl Co yehOiD:

HE subject of Sterility or Barreness in Mares is of vastly
greater importance than one would at first sight be led

to suppose. Only those who are actually engaged in the
breeding business or are professionally called to treat such
vases can comprehend the extent, as well as the serious nature
of many of these complications. Besides, from a pecuniary
point of view, it is of the greatest importance to the owners
of stallions as well as mares, as very often the most valuable
animals used for breeding purposes are practically of no use
outside of the harem, as a consequence, are a source of ex-
pense without any returns; when on the other hand there
should be a source of revenue, often of the highest character.
Successful fecundation is generally looked upon as a
sure result of coupling the male and female sex at a certain
period. Fleming says ‘‘Successful fecundation, however, is
not always the case, and in some species, particularly the
equine, sterility, temporary or permanent in the female is
far from being uncommon, and is sometimes serious.’’? The
same writer says that in the studs of France, the fruitful
mares are 59.57. At the haras of Pin, during a period of
twenty years, there was a percentage of 68.27 fecund mares,
abortion 5.06. This would leave about 64.82 to have colts.
These figures indicate that only one half or, at the most,
two-thirds of the mares produce foals. Quoting from Flem-

ing’s Obstetrics, “Sterility may depend upon organic or

physical causes, and may amount to permanent impotency,
more particularly when congenital, and located in the gen-
erative apparatus. Monstrosities, hermaphrodites, animals
in which one or more important organs of the sexual appara-
tus are absent, and Hybrids, are generally permanently
sterile. ”’

‘Prolonged continuence and old age are not unfrequent
causes of infecundity, as is witnessed in mares which have
worked in towns, and then been transferred for breeding
purposes. It may likewise be due, though temporarily, to
premature or tardy coition, where the generative organs are
not in a physiological condition for conception, or where
they are in an irritable, abnormal state. Underfed or over-
fed animals generally do not breed so readily as those which
are in moderate condition ; fat animals are especially un-
fruitful. Excitable, vicious mares are less likely to pro-
create than those which are of an equable and gentle dispo-
sition. The latter are often impregnated at one attempt,
and it has been observed that with mares accustomed to
work, active exertion, even to produce fatigue before being
put to the horse, is favorable to conception. So it is that
the Arab submits his horse to a severe gallop, and brings
her almost breathless before the stallion, when, the act be-
ing accomplished, he leaves her quietly at rest for some
hours.”

I have known of one case where of a litter of six boar
pigs, four were fed sugar and molasses to hurry up growth;
after which all four proved to be barren, while the two
that were turned out on ordinary feed were productive.

Again various diseased conditions of the generative
organs, as well as general derangements, may also prove an-
tagonistic to fecundity. There may be disease or alterations

9

“

in the Ovaries, Fallopian Tubes, Uterus or Vagina, which
will hinder conception, and if any material obstacle to the
contact of the spermatic fluid with the ovule be present in
these parts, fecundation cannot take place. ‘Tumours of
various kinds in this region are not an infrequent cause of
sterility.

tueff and others have observed an imperforate, dense
and tough hymen to be a cause of infecundity im the mare.

“Tr all of these conditions a careful examination should
be made as removal of the obstacle to generation may be quite
within the scope of surgical or medical. measures. More
particularly is this the case when the obstacle is related to
some abnormal condition of the cervix uteri, a circumstance
more common than is generally supposed. In rare instances
dilation may require to be effected by a cutting instrument,
but this should never be resorted to until the simpler and
safer means have failed.”

Before taking into consideration the disease to which
the organs are subject, I will notice briefly the anatomy of
the parts both male and female, and their physiological
functions.

The male organs of generation consists of the Penis,
which not only supports the greater part of the excretory
urinary canal, but also transmits the sperm of the male.
The Penis proper consists of the corpora cavernosum ex-
tending from and forming the bulb, tapering gradually at
the anterior extremity of the penis, occupying the upper sur-
faces, and divided by septem into two latteral halves, groved
on its under surface for the corpora spongeosum and urethra.
The eorpora spongeosum encloses the urethra, extending
from the crura posterior passing to the external extremity
which expands to form the glands.

3

16.

19.
20.
21.

o
Ae

26.

PiGCUR BAL

Generative Organs of the Stallion with Arterial Supply.
Posterior Aorta. be
External iliac artery.

Urabilical artery.

Prepubic artery.

Deep femoral artery.

Posterior abdominal artery.
Externial pubic artery.
Subcutaneous abdominal artery.
Spermatic artery.

Testicle.

Epididymis.

Vas deferens.

Penis.

Anterior dorsal artery of penis.
Urethral Tube.

Posterior dorsal artery of penis.
Suspensory ligament of the penis.
Erector penis.

Artery of the corpus cavernosumn.
Cowper’s gland.

Prostrate gland.

Vesico prostatic artery.
Sphincter Ani.

Retractor penis.

Suspensory ligament of rectum.
Vesicule seminalis.

Rectum.

Ureter.

Urinary Bladder.

Oblurator artery.

Internal pubic artery.
Posterior mesenteric artery.
Tliaco femoral artery.

rluteal artery.

Lateral sacral artery.

Last lumbar artery.

Internal iliae artery.

Second last lumbar artery.

HLG- OLE I,

FIGURE 2:

Longitudinal section of the free extremity of the Horses Penis
in a relaxed state.

Erectile tissue of the corpus Cavernosum.
Urethra.

Fossa navicularis.

Urethral tube.

Erectile tissue of the Urethra.

Ditto of the glands.

Corona Glandis.

Urethral Sinus.

Integament and blood yessels of Penis.

TIME MOM ee rr iE,

4 Hotes: Aine oh oe

j

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W104 7

Ten. on y : me fe)
; vail ’ | . ae 1 ae i. i

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PIGURE:3:

Longitudinal section of the free extremity of the Horses Penis
in an erect state.

Erectile tissue of the corpus cavernosum.
Urethra.

Fossa navicularis.

Urethral tube.

Erectile tissue of the Urethra.

Ditto of the glands.

Corona Glandis.

Urethral Sinus.

Integament and blood vessels of Penis.

FIGURE 111.

Vannes

f

pennies i i Lit a Ene Ae Titi fone bi gH ta ‘ A) 7

ras

ght

i

a

iui

pa ee my Od ed ; Wa ath \ ne : he } i ly" it | ' aad i igh nay i
A eh mit a 4 7 D i a a Matra), var wale ay nth No ie ee:
le A

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vate

ii
mt iu yok aye
yar ] wees hy

rage ia
: a caw
at!

FIGURE

Bladder and Interpelvic portion of Urethra, opened from below.

Vas deferens.

Bulbous part of the same.

Peritoneal fold joining the vas deferentia.
Bladder.

Vesecula seminalis.

Orifices of urethres.

Prostate.

Verumontanum with orifices of ejaculatory ducts
Orifice of prostatic vesicle,

Cowper’s gland.

Orifices of ducts of prostrate.

Orifices of ducts of cowper’s gland.

Corpus cavernosum.

Corpus spongeosum with urethra in its center.

A ee

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Soar Ch NM te ti a0)

| Ahan Ce ee
LS Mm LU ia (wh

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ie
12.

ile
14.
15.
16.
Iie

ile

PIGU RE:

Generative Organs of the Mare, isolated and partly opened.

Ovaries.
Fallopian Tubes.
Pavilion of the tube, external face.
Ibid inner face, Showing the opening in middle.
Ligament of the ovary.
Intact horn of the uterus.
A horn thrown open.
Body of uterus, upper face.
Broad ligament.
Cervix, with its mucous folds,
Cul-de-sac of the vagina.
Interior of the vagina, with its folds of mucous
membrane.
Urinary meatus.
Valve of urinary meatus.
Mucous fold, a vestige of the hymen.
Interior of the vulva.
Clitoris.

18-18. Labia of the vulva.

19.

Inferior commissure of the vulva.

FIGURE V.

Sree

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2
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ee) Ora ”
i

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; ie iy e Nie gs

(ofa) * : hh ip ye

3

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_ jintiy!

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ak teas MR ae ea i se brits
SN uk TE oa AY ahaa eur evans Bae vee heal

eran viet reli ats ne a ae

te
of UG

ae a ant ie
me i ean Basi ne
i Wh
ep net ae Pre *

ie | anes v Goh oe
| : a te Sas fish Cr an ch in oe ven Ne
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hie hh, iM ia im a ie Th nh 4

a re
ye if aah

1

PHYSIOLOGICAL CONDITIONS OF
COPULATION.

It will be necessary to describe the physiological condi.
tions of copulation to show upon what depends the
normal action of the respective organs, male and female,
during the act of coition. That the male organ—the penis—
should be erect is necessary, and that the glands should be
very considerably enlarged from its normal state is also es
sential. It will be seen, by reference to Figure 3, that the
glands and penis assume the form and serves the purpose of
a valve and piston. The enlarged glands should fill the
transverse diameter of vagina so completely as to withdraw
and expel the air, thus forming a vacunm within the cervix
and uterus, and in case the cervix is kept sufficiently open
and retained in the center of canal, either by natural or art-
ificial means, so that the urethral sinus of the glands shall fit
the corresponding posterior surface of the cervix, and that
the projecting end of the urethral tube may approximate
closely to, or even fit into the opening of the Os Uteri.
Should no obstruction exist between vagina and uterus these
conditions assure a perfect injection of semen into cervix
and uterus, and as the glands assumes its natural size and
by its withdrawal from the vagina, allowing air to pass into
the uterus, thus further assisting the access of semen.

It is evident that a variety of influences may interfere
with the performance of the natural process of fecundity.
For its accomplishment four thing are necesary :

Ist. The possibility of the entrance of semial fluid into

the uterus.

gnd. The possibility of the production of a healthy
ovum.

3rd. The possibility of the entrance of an oyum into
the uterus.

4th. The absence of influences in utero destructive to
the vitality of the semen, and preventive of fixation of the
ovum upon the uterine wall.

Should these four conditions exist no animal will be
sterile, she may not bear a foal, but the incapacity may at-
tach to the male and not to her.

The special causes of sterility, or those interfering
with these conditions, may thus be presented.
1st. CAUSES PREVENTING ENTRANCE OF SEMEN INTO URERUS

a. Absence of the uterus or vagina.
b. Presisting hymen.
c. Vaginismus.
d. Atresia vaginw, or complete obliteration.
e. Occlusion of cervical canal.
f. Conical shape and elongated cervix.
Patulous Os, and flaccid or flabby condition of
uterus.
hn. Endometritus or Leucorrhoea.
i. Polypi, or Fibroids.
j. Flexion of uterus and cervix.
k. Very small Os Internum.
1. A curtain of membrane, either, or both, external
or internal to cervix.
m. Equine Spyhilis.
2nd. CAUSES PREVENTING THE PRODUCTION OF A HEALTHY
OvuM.
a. Chronic Ovaritis.

b. Cystic disease of both ovaries.

0

c. Cellulitis, or Peritonitis obliteration of the Fallo-
pian tubes.

d. Absence of ovaries.

e. Hemorrhage into ovaries.

f. Undeveloped state of ovaries.

g. Atrophy of ovaries from old age.
3rd. CAUSES PREVENTING PASSAGE OF Ovum Into UTERUS.
a. Stricture or obliteration of Fallopian tubes.
b. Absence of Fallopian tubes.

c. Detachments and displacements of Fallopian tubes.
4th. CAUSES DESTROYING VITALITY OF SEMEN OR PREVENT-
ING FIXATION OF IMPREGNATED Ovum.

a. Corporeal or Cervical Endometrities.
b. Membraneous Dysmenorrhoe.

c. Menorrhagia or Metrorrhagia.

d. Abnormal growths.

e. Areolar Hyperplasia.

Ist CLASS.

au. ABSENCE OF UTERUS OR VAGINA.

IT have met with but one case of absence of the uterus.
During the summer of i872, a young heifer showed signs of
rut, and having a bull much larger than she was, it was not
surprising to notice‘her look droopy after copulation, espec-
ially as she was pushed through an ordinary board fence-
The heifer was allowed to stand around and attend to her-
self some three or four days, during which time she contin-
ually strained as if to urinate, occassionally passing a small
quantity of blood. Having killed her on the fourth day I
made an autopsy, finding the abdominal cavity containing
several gallons of urine ; a hole through the anterior portion

of the bladder showing that the penis had evidently passed

6

through the meatus urinaris rupturing the bladder. Two
small congested ovaries were found, but no uterus.

b. Presistinc HyMen.

IT have met with quite a number of cases of , this kind
and most of these were thicker than natural, some of the
“uses requiring considerable force to rupture the membrane.

e. Vaarinismus or HyperasTHETIC sTaTE of the Os
uteri, which resitts in spasms of sphincter.

These cases are by no means rare and are a common
rause of sterility. It not only interferes with the entrance
of the male organ because of the pain induced, but prevents
the semnial fluid from getting into the uterus as the stallion
in these cases is usually prevented from making a_ close
cover.

d. <Atresia of the vagina is not very common in mares
and then following laceration, or by organization of inflam-
itory lymph. (These conditions appear most commonly in
cows ; more often following the first calf, than subsquent
cases.) The treatment is generally unsatisfactory, requir-
ing instrumental and surgical treatment, which is often of
no avail.

e. Occlusion of Cervix or Rigidity of Os Uteri.

According to Fleming Occlusion of the cervical canal
may be due‘to spasmodic conditions of the muscle and cervix.
If however, there be hypertrophy disorganization or rigid-
ity, then an operation will be necessary.

Both rigidity and spasmodic condition of the Os Uteri
ure of very common occurrence and are liable to be associ-
ated with many of the other troubles of the female genera-
tive organs. The spasmodic condition may be simply a
consequence of irritation elsewhere. This condition is

most common in young mares that have never conceived,

1

but I have met with one case of rigidity where the mare
Was twenty-three years old, and was the dame of several
colts. I have also met with the spasmodic condition in
some cases during one heat, while at the next period it had
entirely disappeared. This will, I thmk, account for many
of the cases which have been served repeatedly during a sea-
son and all at once conceive at a single leap from another
stallion or ever from the same one.

f. Conical shape of Cervix and Elongated Os Uteri
iS a very common cause of infecundity. By its bending
on itself it may not admit the seminal fluid through the can-
al, and as a rule completely prevents it. This state of affairs
not only causes trouble in the breeding of mares but also in
the human family. Thomas on Diseases of Women says,
“My experience leads me very positively to the conclusions
that, excepting credometritis, this is the most common of all
causes of sterility and fortunately one of the most remedi-
able”? The treatment recommended varies somewhat with
the length from dilation, belateral operation and amputation.

It is very apparent with these conditions in mares that
the cervix does not draw down and become flat and open as
it should do when the vagina ‘‘balloons up,’’ or become rigid
as happens ordinarily during copulation. For these reasons
the cervix is lefe projecting into the vagina, often to the ex-
ten’ of two or three inches, consequently the glands penis
presses it to one side during the act of copulation and there
is little or no chance for the semen to get into the uterus.
When the pressure is removed the cervix projects into the
vagina thus preventing the semen from entering. Right
here I will say that it is not necessary for the cervix to be
tense and closed to prevent the semen getting within the

uterus, for I have known many cases where the cervix was

8

long, loose and flabby, with an opening large enough to ad-
mit two or three fingers, and still the mare failed to con-
ceive until artificial means were used.

I wish to sight but two cases of the tense or closed Os,
one Belvedere by Mambrino Patchen another Gypsy Queen
by Polanius, and in case of elongated patulous cervix in a
mare of my own, Mabel H. 2:26, by Col. West, 2579.

In regard to the first case I will quote froma letter from
Byron G. Kimball of Maple Point Stock Farm, Bradford,
Mass. ‘The mare Belvedere I bought of William Turnbull
of New York City, for Col. H. A. Hale, of Bradford, and
sold her at a sale in Boston, and she was bought by H. W.
Phelps of Minneapolis. I had bred this mare, according to
my books, on an average of twice a month for twenty-seven
months with Warder, Hudson and various other stallions.
I tried an impregnator on her but it did no good. It was
rubber but more bell shaped than yours.

Also from a letter from O. J. Evans, M. D., Minneapolis.

Minneapolis, Minn., Jan. 6th, 1s9.
GC: liyrorp, M.D, Vi. 8:

Having used your “impregnator” on my Mam-
brino Patchen mare Belvedere, 19 years old, that was bred
by Mr. Henry Hale, of Bradford, Mass, to Warder, by Bel-
mont, and to Hudson by Kentucky Prince, and by H. W.
Phelps, of Minneapolis, Minn., to Bayardo at least four
times, all without impregnation, and having succeeded in
getting her in fold during first heat by Red Chieftain using
the impregnator, and having used it on several other mares
that had refused to breed one or more seasons, among them
Gypsy Queen, by Polanius, she being a mare twelve years
old and had been bred to different horses at least four sea-

sons without being in foal.

It is rational treatment, being in the nature of a funnel
to convey the semen into the womb where it is necessary it
should pass in order that it come in contact with the female
ovule which it must do before impregnation takes place.

Truly Yours,
Oud. EV ANS, SED:

P. S.—I omitted to state that Belvedere nor Gypsy
Queen had ever been in foal until this season and both are

How SURE.

Evansdale Stock Farm, Sept. Ist, 1891.
C. C. LyForp,
Belvedere had a find horse colt April 3, °91, Gypsy
Queen a filly April 13, 791.
W ASHBURN, Supt.

Also from F. W. Muckey, Minneapolis, ‘‘I owned the
bay mare, Gypsy Queen, and bred her two years without
success; I then sold her to J. K. Sidell of Minneapolis,
thinking her barren, as she was a young mare and we had
used every means then known to the profession. Since then
she has become the property of Dr. O. J. Evans and I un-
derstand he has been unsuccessful until he used your ‘Im-
pregnator,’ and with the first trial succeeded in getting her
in foal.”

In the case of Elongated Patulous Cervix of Mabel H,
already referred to ; this mare, at the age of five years, had
a filly by Phallas 2:132. The next two years she was
not stinted but returned to Phallas for the season of 1887
and 1888, but failed to conceive. On February, 1889, she
was sent to T. B. Marrett’s farm at Rosemont, Minn., and
Was stinted to Nutwood Mambrino until June Ist, without

any good results. June 13th IT again had her returned to

10

Nutwood Mambrino, using an impregnator from which
she conceived, the result being a chestnut horse colt, born
June 3d, 1890, now registered vol. x, Wallace Trotting Reg-
ister as Woodnot, 15234.

9. Patulous Os and flaccid or flabby condition of the
Uteri.

These cases are very common in mares, generally in
those which have had colts or aborted, but are sometimes
seen in mares which have never been in foal, or been stinted.
The cervix is very loose and flabby, which is often more or
less associated with a like condition of Vagina and Uterus ;
the Os at times being so open as to admit the entire hand
with little or no resistance. I had a case of this kind at the
Bruce Stock Farm, Rosemont, Minn. The mare had abort-
ed something over a year before, since which time they
were unable to get her in foal, She appeared otherwise in
good health, worked every day and kept m good heart and
flesh. I had the Uterus and Vagina flooded daily for five
weeks with Hydropult, using for an injection, alternate
days, carbolic acid 1-100 warm water, corrosior sublimate
1-1000. In other cases I have used successfully Tannie Acid
alternating with Sulp. of Zinc, each dissolved in water.
This was continued until signs of heat returned the second
time, when after being stopped, her cervix was swabbed out
with Iodotirno Ointment 1-10, and the third day was served.
The Os was so contracted that the large sized Impregnator
went in with such difficulty as to require use of dilator. When
examined for treatment her cervix would admit, with ease,
the entire hand, Uterus and Vagina being equally flabby.
The mare has since failed to receive another embrace though
repeatedly tried for over three months, and shows every

indications of being in foal.

11

Another case of this kind was one of my own, Nellie
Gray, dam of Mabel H.,a mare twenty years old, having
failed to conceive for five years and having aborted six years
ago, though being repeatedly stinted to various stallions,
before I purchased her in 1889. I had her stinted during
that season to Col. West, 2579 and during the season of 1890
to Morrel] Tyrant and Greymont, the last two being young
stallions, but to no avail. During the fall of 1890 I exam-
ined her, finding her cervix not only sufficiently open to
sasily admit three fingers, but the cervix was torn on its
upper portion and on the right side of the Cul-de-sac of Va-
gina, from the Vagina wall to the Cervix, was a complete
honey comb, having evidently been lacerated at various times
during copulation. Having decided to give her tonic treat-
ment and regular exercise, she was left without further
stinting until April, 1891, when I examined her and found
her vagina and cervix normally contracted and in heat. She
was then stinted to a three year old son of Jersey Wilkes
from which she is now surely in foal.

Various modes of treatment have been tried for the
lax weakened condition of cervix and uterus, which may be
classed as constitutional and local. The former class of re-
medies I have not given a thorough trial, though the cases
on which I have used them indicate favorable results. These
consist of general tonics, especially stimulating and invigor-
ating aphrodisiacs, such as Phosphorus, Cannabis Indieas,
Nux Vomica, Ergotine, and Arsenate of Iron. Also Saw
Palmetto. Local treatment such as swabbing cervix with
Tr. Iodine and Iodoform, as well as Stiptic, Astrnigent
and Autiseptic injections have apparently proved benificial
in a number of cases.

I believe that electricity will prove itself very useful

12

im these cases, especially when applied locally to the cervix,
vagina or uterus as cases May require.

h. Endormetritis fills the uterine canal with a thick
tenaceous mucous and often prevents the entrance of seminal
fluid or destroys its vitality. We meet with quite a good
many of these cases in the mare and they vary very materi-
ally in the consistency of the secretions. Endormetritis and
resulting Leucorrhoea are the most unsatisfactory diseases
we have to contend with in the treatmeut of barreness. In
the first place it is far from being an agreeable task, and as
the cases are generally of long standing when we get them
they are not only the most difficult to cure, but the time and
expense ften exceeds the value of the animal.

The mare, as a rule, is emaciated, can not stand hard
work, and though her apetite is often good, fails to put on
flesh. The discharge is of a viscid, creamy character, often
with a peculiar odor, that one requires to smell but once to
remember, especially in any case you may get to attend
at college and have to depend upon students to assist you
with treatment, particularly the injection, as the smell stays
by you often for a day or more, no matter how often you
wash or disinfect. Iam glad to say that the balance of my
cases have been looked after by the owner or persons in
charge, though it is often a great deal of trouble to get
them to follow your instructions and get anything like fav-
orable results. Mineral and vegitable tonics and mineral
acids generally prove beneficial ; Antiseptic injections,
not too strong, as there is some danger of over doing ; also
Per Oxide of Hydrogen. Unless the Os is flaccid and well
dilated, it is better to keep the parts open to allow drain-
age ; as I have known of cases where fluid was retained from
one day to the next, the horns of the uterus often being re-

13

laxed.

1. Polipi, Fibroids and Moles are not very common in

my experience, having met with but three cases, all of them
being outside of cervix and were very easily cured by ex-
cission, steptic and antiseptic dressings.
J. Flexion of Uterus and Cervix is not uncommon.
In this the Os is turned to one side and during copulation it
would be pressed against the wall of the vagina, entirely ob-
structing the passage to the uterus.

Huntress, 2:202 is said to be one of this kind, she being
stinted for a number of years without any results and after-
wards was examined by R. C. Mason, V. S., of Winona,
Minn., who reported the case to me as such a decided flexion
that he was compelled to turn his finger almost at a right
angle to get it through the cervix.

k. Very small Os Internum.

It is a common thing to find barren mares who have
been continually bred and repeatedly opened by breeders,
stablemen and even veterinary surgeons, without the inner
portion of the Os being dilated, and at other times a mem-
brane across the Os Internum which is not ruptured. As
a consequence they fail to conceive as effectually as if the
membrane was over the vaginal surface of cervix.

). A curtain of membrane, either or both, external or
internal to cervix.

A. very interesting case of this type came under my
treatment during the month of July, 1891. The mare was
sixteen years old and had failed to conceive, though stinted
repeatedly at different seasons for the past ten years. I had
known the mare some six years, she having been served by
one of my own stallions during the year of 1886, but had
given the case no special attention, and at that time knew

14

nothing more than that she was claimed to be very tight by
the man who dilated her Os. She was given several leaps
but did not conceive. She had been stinted about every
season following to different stallions but to no purpose,
and was sent to Dr. Curryer & Sons’ stud at Crystal Lake,
Minn., with instructions to use impregnator. The Doctor
was unable to find the Os Uteri, it being concealed by folds
of mucous membrane. I was called to examine the case and
found a fold of mucous membrane reflected from upper vagi-
nal surface of the Os. Having passed one finger underneath
the folds of membrane, with a good deal of difficulty, I suc-
ceeded in dilating sufficiently to get one finger through the
cervix ; I could then easily feela second membrane at internal
opening of cervix, but, my finger not being long enough, or
the membrane was so strong, that I could not tear it. By
taking impregnator and dilator No. 1 (small size) which is
about one inch longer than my finger, and passing it through
the cervix until the disk of impregnator came in contact
with the vaginal surface of cervix ; I then made a thrust by
pressure to handle of dialator, at the same time turning it
laterally ; I then withdrew the dilator leaving the impreg-
nator in position. The mare at once by straining, threw off
at least three pints of a viscid, creamy fluid, which had no
odor. Ithen had the uterus injected out, using hydropult
which was continued daily until appearance of heat returned,
some two weeks later, She was then served, using the small
sized impregnator, and has since passed two or three per-
iods, or about six weeks, having Teen tried twice a week
without any signs of returning heat.

I simply wish to call your attention to the facts con-
cerning this case. The mare had been rep satedly opened by

parties who would generally be considered competent judges

15

and capable of opening mares to bred. This mare had been
examined by a graduate veterinary surgeon, who also used
the small sized impregnator, having succeeded in placing it
without the dilator. The external fold. of membrane was
ruptured but the internal one was not noticed, and though
the impregnator, to all practical purposes, was properly
placed, the membrane, not being ruptured, there could beno
chance of conception so long as it existed.

Equine Syphilis has proven a great hinderance to breed-
ing by rendering pregnancy both uncertain and unsafe, and
requires special consideration for which I would refer you to
W. L. Williams articles on Equine Syphilis in American
Veterinary Review.

Cuass No. ¥. Causes preventing the production of a heal-
that of atrophy of the
Ovaries, from old age and lack of use, as it will be seen by

thy ovum. I will consider but one

reference that none of these are curable diseases. I wish to
note but one case, that of a black mare Blanche, 2234, belong-
ing to me. I bought her in 1887 to experiment on. She
had never had a foal though bred several seasons. After
various trials, even by injecting semen through the cervix,
she continued to remain in heat, so that, in December, I de-
cided to kill her and hold an autopsy. The uterus, vagina
and cervix were healthy and, in every way, normal, but on
examination of ovaries they were found to be pale and atro-
phied, showing no signs whatever of Graafian Vesicles or
any indication of having produced any ovules for months,
possibly for years. Her teeth marks indicating over twenty-
tive years of age.

Crass No. 38. Causes preventing passage of ovum into
uterus, such as strictures or obliterations, absence, detach-

ments and displacements, simply require mentioning to prove

16

how certainly these causes would prevent conception.
Cuass No. 4. Causes destroying vitality of semen, or
preventing fixation of Impregnated ovum.

a. Endometritis, corporal or cervical, fills the uterine
canal with mucus which either prevents the entrance of se-
men or destroys its vitality, has already been considered.

b. Membraneous Dysmenorrhoe, c. Menorrhagia or
Metrorrhagia, and e. Areolar Hyperplasia, are seldom if
ever, recognized in mares, hence will be given no further
consideration in this article.

d. Abnormal grows of any kinds, which fill the uter-
ine cavity as for example Fibroid Polypi, &c., may prevent
attachment of the ovum to the uterus, even if impregnated.

MALE STERILITY.

Lack of erectile power in the male is not uncommon
and varies greatly with different stallions, as well as the
same stallions at different seasons or portions of the same.
At the beginning of the stud season many stallions fail to
preform service with sufficient ardor, although they may
have been good coverers seasons previous. This may be
due to lack of tonacity, from continued non-use, though at
other times such a state of things follows certain diseases,
such as Catarrhal Fevers, Distemper and the like, as well as
attacks of Spinal Meningitis ; in other cases the blood sup-
ply may be interfered with from partial or complete obstruc-
tion to one or more of the arteries supplying the penis.

During the spring of 1886 a stallion was brought to my
infirmary with apparent paralysis of the penis, the part
hanging pendulous and protruding about six inches. The
season previous he had covered sixty mares and had gone

into winter quarters in good condition, but, during the win-

Wa

ter, suffered from an attack of Catarrhal Fever (Pinkeye)
daring which time the owner reported him as badly swollen
about the penis and testes. The penis remaining swollen
and pendulous for weeks. The stallion had already been
blistered across the back several times. I applied electricity
to the parts, which would for the time produce partial er-
ection and so strenthen them as to enable him to withdraw
it within the sheath, but he never regained power of erec-
tion, nor afterwards preformed stud service.

During the spring of 1889 I was consulted regarding a
stallion who, the season before, covered forty mares and was
sold with a warranty of a sure foal getter, but as he would
not cover a mare at the beginning of the stud season, the
purchaser naturally suspected that he had been cheated. I
recommended treatment as follows :

Fl. Ext. Nux Vomica, Liq. Pot. Arsenalis, Fl. Ext.
Ergot, Ferri Am. Citras, alternating with Phosphide of Zine
and Fl. Ext. Sanguinaria.

The treatment was continued for a short time when the
animals vigor returned and there was no further trouble that
season.

Talso had a case of my own; a four year old stallion
who had been a good coverer until three years ago when I
loaned him to serve some mares, at which time he was kicked
ona front leg and nearly died as a consequence of erysipelas
and distemper which followed. The following season he
could scarcely be induced to serve a mare and then all to
which he was stinted failed until using the preceeding
prescription when he was successful in getting all five mares
in foal, on which he had failed from February until July,
though the mares were repeatedly served by himduring that
period.

—
on

b. Absence of spermatozoa is not uncommon, especi-
lly in colts less than two years old, and as a rule at any age
should the testicles not appear in their natural locality, the
scrotum. In Crypsorchids, as a rule, where neither of the
testicles appear, no spermatozoa is to be found. |

c. Old age is a common cause of impotency, but a great
deal can be done to tone up the organs and revive the natur-
al functions, by judicial use of some of the remedies that
prove so beneficial in the lack of erective powers.

d. Excessive length of penis is far from being an ad

vantage either to male or female. Such stallions are seldom
sure foal getters, and often injure the mare during copula-
tion. Ihave found it a great advantage in these cases to use
a shoe boil boot as a washer, thus keeping six or eight inches
of penis outside the vagina, and in many cases it has insured
foals when the staliion was considered not only unsafe to
the mare but uncertain as a foal getter. On the contrary, a
stallion with a short penis will cover a greater number of
mares and succeed in a larger percentage of foal getting.

During the summer of 1882 I stinted two mares to Sen-
eca Star, he being a large horse with excessive length of
penis and a very ardent coverer, though apparently not a
sure foal getter, besides having injured several mares and
killed one by lacerating the fundus of vagina. I decided to
try him once by using a shoe boil pad as washer. The mare
succeeded in getting in foal at the first service, and another
mare wus stinted without making use of the pad ; though
returned several times did not get in foal notwithstanding she
had been a regular breeder before and had a colt by her side.
The only mare getting in foal that season to Seneca Star,

Was my own on which the pad was used. The next season

19

the pad was used in serving mares to him and as a result he

got some twenty mares in foal.

a. Weakness of Spermatozoa.

There is little doubt that the vitality of spermatozoa
differs very materially in different stallions as well as differ-
ent kinds of animals. I have at various times examined
spermatozoa under the microscope, from different stallions
after castration ; asa rule having a pail of warm water in
which to place testicles after removing them. By so doing
they are all kept in the same atmospheric conditions, the
only difference being the length of time. between the first
and subsequent castrations. When ready to make micro-
scopic examinations of semen, I would lay the different sets
of testicles by themselves outside the water and put a spec-
imen from each set ona glass slide, under a top cover, and
examine them at different intervals of fifteen minutes to half
an hour. During the sammer of 1877 I made a number of
these experiments and invariably found that spermatozoa
from one set of testicles would outlive the others and as
arule the stallions whose testicles showed signs of injury
or inflamatory process, the spermatozoa showed less vitality,
whereas the size of the testicle seemed to make little or no
difference with the vitality of the semen, both being healthy,
small or medium sized testicles, as a rule, being less subject
to injury, especially in stallions that were tracked or given
hard, fast road work. In one case particularly, when speci-
mens were examined, the animals having been castrated
between 8 and 9 a. m. on a moist summer day, the speci-
mens were prepared and examined between 9 and 9:30 a. m.
I had occasion to show the specimens to parties as late as

5 p.m. of the same day, and to my surprise the specimen

20

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from one set of testicles still showed vitality enough to
move, while all the others showed no signs whatever of life.

Tam of the belief that, under favorable circumstances,
if properly prepared the semen of a stallion can be kept alive
several days ; and that at some future date we will be able
to send specimens of semen to be injected instead of sending
mares to be served. This would.not only save the expense
and time of shipping the mare, but a single service of a val-
uable stallion could be used to impregnate a number of mares
by which means a staliion could as easily get two hundred

colts in each season as fifty by ordinary methods.

All the different instruments and remedies now adver-
tised for barrenness in mares I present for your consideration.
These instruments and principles indicate ideas of greater
or less value, but all point towards one great principal, the
dilation of the cervix, and retaining it in position. To say
that one or all of the instruments can prove successful in
every case, is simply an impossibility ; though I am sorry
to admit that such advertisments as the following are to be
found in our stock papers, regarding at least one of them.
‘Barren mares made to breed regularly. All mares made
to conceive at first service.”’ .

This makes it practically non-professional, and is a poor
recommendation for parties who anthorize such statements.
The Eureka may serve x special purpose in certain cases,
but is so far from infallible that its claims are not only
unjust and misleading to breeders, but unreliable and un-
reasonable.

The advantagés in favor of this variety over the ordin-
ary sponge tent, of equal size, are more imaginary than
real; The essential parts of both being of the same material

21

(sponge) ; each has a string attached to its large end, or
base, to aid its withdrawal when parts are sufficiently dila-
ted. The price is greatly in favor of the Tent being less
than one-tenth as expensive.

Fig. VI, Cut 1, represents the Knight pattern, known
as the ‘‘Eureku Pregnator.’? The Eureka requires from
six to ten hours for expansion, hence the mare must either
wait or return for service the next day. It is the most ex-
pensive one of the kind in the market, as each service re-
quires a new instrument.

Fig. VI, ‘Cut 2.—The funnel shaped instrument is
practically out of use on account of the great difficulty at-
tached to placing it. The exceedingly wide spreading end,
that is intended to pass through the cervix, has to be folded
or rolled very tightly in order to get it into even a fairly
loose Os, and in cases that are constricted less than to admit
two fingers it serves little or no purpose ; even should it be
crowded into the cervix, it can not expand and is either
thrown out by the mare or works out during the act of co-
pulation.

Fig. VI, Cut 3.—The Meddick pattern consists of a
flat disk, (a.) and a soft rubber tube, the latter surrounded
hy convolutions of flanges of rubber, represented like saw
teeth (C BC B) to retain it in position, and is held in shape
by a hard rubber tube, (d.) small enough to pass through the
others, This is too complicated to be practical even if the
convolutions were not a source of annoyance in removing it
from the cervix, besides retaining filth, unless every precau-
tion in cleaning and disinfecting is followed after each
service. Besides this a hard rubber tube when the least
projecting (as represented by flange d.) would subject the
glans penis to more or less pain, if not injury, in proportion

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FIGURE VII.

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to the closeness of the cover and ardor of the stallion.

As to my own patterns of Dilators and Impregnators,
cuts 1, 2, 3, Fig. VII, represent those which have been in
use for several years. The Impregnator (cuts 2, 3.) consist
of hollow tubes or cones, represented at one-third their real
size. They are composed of soft rubber of sufficient thick-
ness and firmness to retain its shape and resist the pressure
of the cervix. The Impregnator, represented by Cut 3, is
constricted at the disk portion, that it may be self retaining.
The disk on its posterior surface is made convex, so as to;
correspond to the urethral sinus of the glans penis, while
the opening through the disk is sufficiently large to admit
the projecting end of urethral tube. The greatest difficulty
is to make the two sizes meet all the requirements and vari-
ations of the cervix, as well as the peculiarities of the stal-
lion, and the idiosyncrasies of the owner or attendant. In
certain cases Cut 2, small size Impregnator, proves diffi-
cult to insert on account of the close, tense Os, but with
dilator this is quite easily obviated. In other cases Cut 3,
large size Impregnator, may be too small to be retained and
may require a larger size.

Some stallions are especially sensative while covering #
mare ; generally those stallions whose parts are larger than
ordinary or those having a big season and are not very anx-
ious when they find the least interference. To obviate these
difticulties, I have to present you the new model Impregna-
tors and Dilator, represented by cuts 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, fig. vil,
one-third their real size. They consist of one size tube
internally, so that one dilator fits the entire set, while the
external dimentions correspond to the size of the cervix,
anywhere from one inch to two and one-fourth inches in di-
ameter, and from three and one-half to four and one-half

23

inches in length, By reference to cut 7, it being a longitu-
dinal section, it will be seen that the disk consists of a hollow
uu space, as well as the bulb. The disk so closely corres-
ponds to the Os in pliability that the most irritable stallion
should fail to perceive the difference, and as a consequence
makes as close a cover as when no instrument is used. The
advantages in favor of the tubular variety of impregnators,
are the close approximation to the normal condition of cer-
vix during heat, rendering complete—as it does—the com-
munication between the vagina and uterus, thus assuring
easy access for the seminal fluid, besides being easily inserted
and ready for immediate use. Upon withdrawal of the im-
pregnator the cervix contracts immediately closing the Os
so completely that there is little chance for the escape of
semen, even if mare should strain. They are cheap as one
will last for years, and can be used on any number of cases.

The sizes correspond to the different conditions of cer-
vix, and are easily placed in position by means of dilator
and are entirely safe.

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