Common Diseases of the Horse 239 



purpose a 15-gr. tablet of chinosol to 2 qt. of water is excellent; 

 a bucketful may be necessary. Cold sponges soaked in the same 

 solution and placed in the womb sometimes succeed. Failing this, 

 equal parts of vinegar and water may be tried, and some prac- 

 titioners rely upon a gentle stimulation of the walls of the womb 

 by the hand, in the hope that it will cause contraction. In any 

 case it is necessary to immediately remove any retained membranes 

 or the walls will not contract. Internally various drugs may be 

 administered, such as perchloride of iron, laudanum, &c., but 3 oz. 

 of turpentine given in i qt. of milk, with half a dozen eggs beaten 

 up, are as good as anything. 



Inversion of the "Womb 



This is commonly known as "throwing down the foal bed", or 

 "dropping out the foal bed". It is caused by overstraining during 

 and after the birth of the foal. 



Symptoms. — The womb hangs from the vulva (lips of the 

 genital passage) as a huge pear-shaped mass, and may reach dowi? 

 to the hocks. When first thrown out it is red in colour, but if it is 

 allowed to hang becomes darker, and eventually nearly black; it 

 also becomes congested and swollen. 



Treatment. — The veterinary surgeon must be sent for imme- 

 diately, as very great care and skill are required. In the meantime, 

 however, the owner can help very much by common sense and 

 judicious management. The weight should be relieved at once by 

 taking a clean sheet (linen preferred) soaked in a warm antiseptic 

 chinosol solution (or 2 per cent carbolic), and the displaced womb 

 supported in it by two men, one on either side. It may then be 

 sponged with a similar warm solution, covered with another anti- 

 septic sheet, and most carefully protected from injury. In some 

 instances the organ undergoes such changes that it is not possible 

 or advisable to return it, in which case amputation is necessary. 

 This operation is accompanied by a very high mortality. 



When the womb has been replaced, everything must be done to 

 help its retention. For this purpose an endeavour must be made 

 to prevent straining, and a dose of opium or other sedative is indi- 

 cated. It may also be syringed with a i per cent solution of warm 

 carbolic acid solution, which allays irritation. The hind parts must 

 be raised and kept higher, so that gravitation may assist. Finally, 

 one has to guard against it being again thrown out. Various 

 mechanical methods are adopted for this purpose; they consist 

 of the truss, pessary, and the suture or clam. 



