DISEASES OF CATTLE 103 



one or both horns of the womb become so relaxed that 

 they fall into the cavity causing straining and contraction 

 of the abdominal muscles, forcing the womb out grad- 

 ually until the organ is turned inside out. The womb 

 can be easily distinguished from the other membranes 

 on account of the presence of sixty to eighty mushroom- 

 like bodies (cotyledons) two to four inches in diameter 

 attached to the walls of the womb by a narrow neck. 

 The womb when hanging out becomes engorged with 

 blood and inflamed until it is as large as a grain sack, 

 very dark in color, tears and bleeds with the slightest 

 touch. Later it becomes lacerated and gangrenous. 



Symptoms: At first, the general health is not very 

 much interfered with, but the inflammation which is 

 marked by an elevation in temperature becomes very 

 noticeable, accompanied by severe straining and exhaus- 

 tion. The animal lies down, but continues to strain until 

 death, unless relief is afforded the animal at once. 



Treatment: Great care must be exercised. The 

 parts of the womb coming in contact with the cow's hips, 

 tail or floors must be thoroughly washed with a five per 

 cent solution of Carbolic Acid, using a soft cloth or 

 sponge to remove dirt, clots, etc. Place the cow in a posi- 

 tion so as to have her hind quarters much higher than 

 the head, and then endeavor to replace the womb. After 

 washing as stated above, bandage the tail with a clean 

 cloth; have an assistant hold up the womb and the opera- 

 tor use gentle manipulation and pressure with clean 

 hands : this perhaps is the best method of replacing the 

 womb. Then follow by flushing out the womb with a 

 weak Carbolic Acid solution and luke warm water. This 

 has a tendency to straighten out the horns of the uterus 

 and prevent infection. If the cow continues to strain, 

 give Potassium Bromide in ounce doses every two or 

 three hours in her drinking water, or place in capsule 

 and give with capsule gun. 



Sometimes stimulants and tonics are necessary and 



