151 



iKHi-infcctious casas are traced to some misfortune or 

 accident. But cases caused by infection, not being ex- 

 pected, more frequently pass without due consideration. 

 However, it mav Iw a serious mistake to nearlect such 

 cases because of the danger of disseminating the dis- 

 ease. Though many have chiimed that abortion seldom 

 occurs before the fifth month, the contrary is quite 

 prol)able, but, being of apparently little consequence, 

 is not taken into account. 



deferring again to Nelson's experience, four cows 

 supposed to be pregnant required service again, and 

 alx>rtioii was suspected, tlumgh no expelled fcetus was 

 found. This supposition was strengthened by the fact 

 that these cows had already al)orted or did abort later. 



The last half of pregnancy the symptoms are more 

 marked and the conse([uences more grave. 



One, two or three da^'s before delivery the ligaments 

 relax, the flanks sink, the vulva enlarges, and the milk 

 has a colostrum-like appearance. The discharge from 

 the vagina is less thansparent than normal — yellowish 

 red in cows and white in mares. Labor pains precede 

 delivery. The animal walks around in a circle, looks at 

 the side, lies down and gets up again; strains; and the 

 foetus is expelled. 



The foetal membranes pass out with the foetus in the 

 early stages of pregnancy, but are liable to be retained 

 during the last half. This not infrequently happens 

 after regular birth, but more is liable to occur after pre- 

 mature deliveries. The afterbirth may come away in 

 the course of three or four days, and no further trouble 

 be experienced. Occasionally the placenta is retained 

 until it decays in the womb. The animal ceases to rum- 

 inate, and eats sparingly and irregularly. She stands 

 alone with the head down, or occasionally turns to look 

 at the side. She is dull, weak and listless. The dis- 



