DISEASES OF CATTLE 183 



The closed fist may now be planted in the rounded end of the 

 largest horn and pushed on so as to turn it back within itself and 

 carry it on through the vagina, the other hand being used meanwhile 

 to assist in the inversion and in pushing the different masses in suc- 

 cession within the lips of the vulva. In case of failure, resort should 

 be had at once to a plan which I have successfully followed for many 

 years. Take a long linen or cotton bandage, 5 or 6 inches wide, and 

 wind it around the protruding womb as tightly as it can be drawn, 

 beginning at the free end and gradually covering the entire mass up 

 to the vulva. By this means the greater part of the blood will be 

 forced out of the organ and its bulk greatly reduced, so that its re- 

 duction is much facilitated. An additional advantage is found in the 

 protection given to the womb by its investing bandage while it is be- 

 ing pushed forward into the vagina and abdomen. In manipulating 

 the exposed womb there is always danger of laceration, but when the 

 organ is covered with a sheet it is next to impossible to tear it. The 

 subsequent manipulation is as in the other case, by pushing the blind 

 end forward within itself with the closed fist and carrying this on 

 through the vagina into the abdomen with the constant assistance of 

 the other hand. It will often be found convenient to use the edge of 

 the left hand to push the outer part of the protruding mass inside the 

 lips of the vulva, while the right hand and arm are carrying the 

 central portions forward through the vagina. An intelligent as- 

 sistant, pushing with the palms of iboth hands on the outer portion of 

 the mass, will also afford material assistance. As the womb is turned 

 within itself the wrapping bandage will gradually loosen, but once 

 the great mass has entered the passages it is easy to compel the rest to 

 follow, and the compression by the bandage is no longer so impor- 

 tant. When the womb is fully replaced the bandage is left in its in- 

 terior in a series of loose folds, and can be easily withdrawn. It is 

 well to move the hand from side to side to insure that the two horns 

 of the womb are fully extended and on about the same level before 

 withdrawing the arm and applying a truss. 



When the womb has been long everted and is gorged with 

 blood, inflamed, and friable there is often the additional disadvantage 

 that the animal is unable or unwilling to rise. When lying down the 

 straining can not be controlled so effectually, and the compression of 

 the 'belly is so great as to prove a serious obstacle to reduction, even 

 in the absence of straining. The straining may be checked by 2 or 3 

 ounces of laudanum or 2 ounces of chloral hydrate, or by inhalation 

 of chloroform to insensibility, and then by raising the hind parts on 

 straw bundles the gravitation of the abdominal organs forward may 

 be made to lessen the resistance. If success can not be had in this 

 way, the cow may be further turned on her back, and if return is still 

 impossible, the hind limbs may be tied together and drawn up to a 

 beam overhead by the aid of a pulley. In this position, in place of 

 the pressure backward of the bowels proving a hindrance, their 

 gravitation forward proves a most material help to reduction. In 

 seeking to return the womb the sponging with ice-cold water, the 

 raising on a sheet, and the wrapping in a tight bandage should be 



