The tumour, called polypus, is sometimes met with in the vagina. Italian greyhounds are said to be peculiarly subject to such growths from some unascertained cause.

Symptoms

The pedicle or stalk of the polypus may be attached to any part of the vaginal wall, usually some distance backwards; and it varies both in length and thickness. The tumour itself varies in size; and it may or may not protrude externally. When small it is of course concealed from view within the vaginal passage, but as it gets larger it appears at the orifice occasionally, and at length hangs out constantly. The act of passing water causes it to appear when it is at other times concealed; it recedes when the act is over. There is a mucous, or muco-purulent discharge, more or less abundant, tinged with blood, and offensive. This symptom should always excite suspicion of a concealed polypus, and should lead to an examination with the finger. In some cases these growths cause no symptoms, and are discovered only when they are seen. When polypus does permanently protrude it sets up some inconvenience, and may bleed somewhat freely when injured. The polypus is round, oval, or pyriform in shape, with its narrow part toward the vagina, and the broad end directed outwards; its surface is smooth and polished; if it be possible to pass the finger along the surface of the tumour, its pedicle and point of attachment can be made out; it is comparatively movable and insensible to the touch. Great care is necessary to prevent polypus from being confounded with inversion of the uterus.

* See Appendix.

Treatment

The treatment of polypus is illustrated by the following cases: -

1. A pointer bitch belonging to Sir J. H. came tinder my care for a polypus, which protruded externally about an inch, and which was attached to the left side of the vagina. The polypus was speedily removed, without difficulty or loss of blood, by means of the polypus canula armed with wire.

2. A terrier bitch belonging to Col. M. was in much the same state as the above patient. Not having the instrument by me at the time, I gave Calc. carb. night and morning, and prescribed the local application of lime water. In twelve days afterwards the growth was shrivelled and lessened to about half its former size. I removed it as in the other case.