ACCIDENTS OF PARTURITION. 233 



al the end of the uterus and carry the ends around in opposite di- 

 rections, puUini^ firmly all the time so as to force the blood back 

 into the general circulation. After replacing, it is sometimes ad- 

 visable to pack the uterus with cotton and close the outlet by 

 means of sutures through the vulva. 



Finally give the cow three ounces tincture of opium and 2 

 ounces bromide of potassium in 3^ pint of syrup. Give mare 

 two-thirds of this dose and the ewe one-eighth. Repeat in three 

 hours if the animal is still straining. If necessary apply rope truss 

 as shown in class room. 



(c) Tear in vagina. —Vagina may be torn above or below 

 by excessive size of the foetus ; faulty position of the foetus or by 

 excessive force used in delivery. This calls for immediate oper- 

 ation by a veterinarian, in case of a mare, — not so important for a 

 cow. 



(d) Retention of the afterbirth. — Most common in cows, 

 less serious for cows than for mares. 



Cause. — Unusual adhesion between uterus and placenta or 

 very rapid contraction of the uterus after delivery. 



Treatment. — For the mare the placenta should be removed 

 within twelve hours if it fails to come away naturally ; for the cow 

 it is better to wait for 18 to 72 hours if the cow seems well. 



Twist the membranes that appear on the outside into a tight 

 rope, then introduce an oiled hand into the uterus and gently 

 separate the placenta from the uterus at the cotyledons, pulling 

 with the other hand outside. 



(e) Haemorrhage. — This is rare in the lower animals. It 

 is denoted by rapidly increasing paleness around the eyes and in 

 the mouth and by quick feeble pulse. Blood may not appear on the 

 outside and yet the bleeding be extensive. Give 3 oz. f. e. ergot 

 at once, in 4 oz. syrup, and then give i oz. in 2 oz. syrup every 

 hour if necessar}^ up to a limit of six doses, and meantime pour 

 ice water over the back and loins. 



Vot. studies— 15. 



