DISEASES OF DOMESTIC ANIMALS. 197 



no irritation after a day or two there is no great danger. Sometimes 

 the entire membranes are retained after parturition, and it is called 

 retention of the placenta; more properly, perhaps, retention of the 

 foetal membranes. It is more common in the cow, and also in the 

 sheep, than in the mare. There is a difference of opinion as to 

 what should be done in such cases. I think it is best not to be in 

 too much of a hurry in removing it in such cases by force, especially 

 in the mare. In most cases it comes away in from five to fifteen 

 minutes up to eight or ten hours. There are certain remedies re- 

 commended, as savin, laurel, bi-sulphite of soda, etc. I do not 

 think powerful remedies are called for, but in the cow regulate the 

 diet and give from two to eight ounces of Epsom salts, with some 

 gentian and ginger, perhaps given in two doses ; keep her warm, 

 give nice food, and the after-ljirth will, in most cases, come away. 

 But if this fails you must remove it, and do not allow it to remain 

 too long. But so long as it does not decompose to any great extent, 

 there is no great danger ; but when it does decompose, it may give 

 rise to septicaemia. It is j^enerally easily taken away. Just get 

 hold of the membranes with one hand, then insert the other hand 

 into the uterus and break down any adhesions with your fingers. 

 In the mare it is removed in the same way. After removing it, sup- 

 posing it had remained in for eight or ten days, inject the uterus 

 with tepid water, and after this with a weak solution of carbolic 

 acid, feed well and keep her comfortable. There is a more serious 

 result than this, which is inversoin of the uterus. This is very 

 serious, and not uncommon, and is more frequent in cows than in 

 mares, and the treatment is more successful in cows. It is most 

 likely to occur in weak and debilitated animals. In those fed upon 

 poor food the ligaments of the uterus become more than naturally 

 relaxed. In the mare it is similar, and is a very serious condition, 

 and is seldom treated with success. If it is only partially inverted, 

 it is not so serious; but if it is complete, you can notice the uterus 

 protruding, which is a large, reddened, swollen mass, and the foetal 

 membrane may be attached to it. If it is complete in the cow she 

 does not stand long, owing to the weight, and when she does lie 

 down she may not be able to get up. The uterus becomes dirty 

 and exposed to the cold. The proper thing is to cleanse and return 

 it, which is difficult, but it can be done. If the foetal membranes 

 are attached, remove them carefully ; bathe the parts nicely, and it 

 is recommended to scarify, but you must be exceedingly careful 

 about scarifying. As well as tepid water, bathe with laudanum and 

 water (but before it is necessary to put a large cloth, as a 

 table-cloth, under the parts); then endeavour to return it, which is 

 easier done when the cow is on her feet ; so, if you can, get her on 

 her feet, and if you cannot do this, turn her upon her back. There 

 is difference of opinion whether to begin at the fundas or neck to 

 return it, but if you cannot do it one way try the other. Then 

 there is another difficulty, and that is to get it in position after it is 

 returned ; but endeavour to carefully unfold it, and then give 

 opiates, or stimulants — some recommend one, some the other. And 

 it is necessary to keep it in by some means — elevating the hind 

 quarters is of benefit, and there are various pessaries recommended. 

 A good one can be formed by covering a piece of wood with cloth or 

 chamois skin, pass this in and secure it in some way ; a bottle has 

 been recommended, but it may get broken, and a piece of wood the 

 shape of a beetle makes a good one. Secure and keep it in by ropes 



