Removing the Placenta 207 



remains attached to the walls of the uterus. When 

 it is not removed, it decomposes and is discharged 

 as a yellow or reddish fluid, having an extremely 

 offensive odor. The discharge is most apparent 

 when the cow is lying down or when she endeavors to 

 pass urine. The tail and parts about the vulva are 

 soiled by the fluid, which often contains lumps of 

 decomposing material. The cow falls away in flesh, 

 the milk flow is lessened and the animal presents a 

 general unthrifty appearance. The placenta should 

 not be left longer than the third day. To remove it, 

 the cow should be confined by the head and an 

 assistant should hold the tail to one side. It is a 

 good plan to wind the free portion of the placenta 

 upon a small stick, and roll the stick up until it 

 reaches the vulva. The right hand and arm of the 

 operator, well covered with carbolized oil, should be 

 inserted into the uterus, following the placenta (which 

 is easily distinguished from the surrounding tissues) 

 by rolling the stick which is held in the left hand. 

 The attachments of the placenta to the walls of the 

 uterus can be worked loose with the fingers of the 

 right hand and the whole membrane removed. 



EVERSION OF THE UTERUS 



This condition is commonly called "casting the 

 weathers," and is most frequently seen in the cow. It 

 occurs after calving, especially when there has been 

 difficult labor and much irritation of the part. After 

 the calf is born the cow continues to strain until the 



