141 



to slip unexpectedly through the board crossing over an 

 open ditch. The foot sank but a few inches, not more 

 than 12 or 15, as the drain was not deep. However, the 

 mare aborted and the owner could ascribe the mishap 

 to no other cause. 



A dead foetus is seldom retained, though in exceptional 

 eases it may remain in the womb until quite putrid. The 

 foetus may be killed as a result of external violence; die 

 from displacement or twist of the womb; excessive col- 

 lection of fluids in the foetal membranes; deformation; 

 diminished circulation or impaired nutrition, ^^hethe^ 

 affecting it directly or indirectly through condition of 

 the mother. 



The symptoms, cause and after treatment does not 

 differ materially from that of infectious abortion. The 

 principal requisite in treatment is to remove the cause. 

 Directions for treating retention of the after-birth 

 (placenta) always a serious consequence in these cases 

 and prolapsus of the uterus, will be given in the treat- 

 ment of infectious abortion. 



Infectious Abortion. 



By infectious abortion is meant that form of abortion 

 which has a tendency to recur in the same subject or is 

 associated with — proceeds or follows — abortion in other 

 animals. Single cases caused by infection cannot be dis- 

 tinguished from the non-infectious sort. 



Prevalence in Alabama. — 



Infectious abortion is said to be widely distributed 

 over the civilized world. In Alabama it is confined 

 largely to the herds in the vicinity of the larger towns 

 and cities. 



The hardy range or "scrub" cattle of the State, like 

 wild cattle, are remarkably free from the disease. 



At present marked interest is being manifested in 

 breeding beef cattle. This interest is increasing. 



Several herds have been stai'ted in various parts of 



