376 THE VETERINARY SCIENCE 



The cow usually lies down and a few minutes of severe 

 straining is in natural delivery sufficient to force the calf 

 from the vulva. 



The cleaning (placenta or after-birth) generally comes 

 away at the time of delivery or soon after. 



II. DISEASES DURING PREGNANCY. 



1. Dropsy of the Womb. 



This is due to derangement of the afterbirth, and an 

 over-abundant amount of fluid secreted in the calf. In 

 some cases several palifuls collect in the womb. 



Symptoms. — The belly continues to get larger and larger 

 until the cow seems almost as broad as she is long. On ac- 

 count of so much fluid forming she becomes weak and has 

 difficulty in getting up and walking around. 



Treatment. — There can be but little done in this disease 

 only to keep the strength up. Give a teaspoonful of nitrate 

 of potash or saltpetre in a mash every third day until she 

 calves. This acts on the kidneys, which helps to get the 

 water out of the womb. Feed plenty of good, strong, nour- 

 ishing food to keep her strength up and she will be all right 

 after calving. 



2. Paralysis of the Hind Quarters. 



This disease is generally noticed in poorly-fed, unthrifty 

 cows, especially if they are exposed to cold or wet. It is 

 caused by the calf in the womb pressing on the nerves that 

 control the muscles of the hind quarters. 



Symptoms. — The cow appears healthy — is eating and 

 chewing her cud, but is not able to rise on her hind quarters. 



Treatment. — Give half-pound doses of Epsom salts once 

 or twice a week, according to the action on the bowels. Give 

 the following powder: 



Ground Gentian Root Y A pound. 



Nitrate of Potash or Saltpetre J4 pound. 



Powdered Nux Vomica y A pound. 



Mix and give a tablespoonful in a slop twice a day. Give 

 plenty of good food, keep her warm, have good bedding under 

 her, and turn her from side to side twice a day until she 

 calves, at which time she generally comes all right. Never 

 attempt to put her in slings, just let her lie until she is able 

 to get up. 



