SIGNS OF PREGNANCY. 519 



marked in mares that are of a vicious disposition. The 

 abdomen gradually enlarges as pregnancy advances, the 

 right side being a little larger than the left. This enlarge- 

 ment is especially well marked in the cow. In some cases the 

 beating of the foetal heart may be heard with the assistance 

 of the stethoscope. Such an examination is, however, very 

 likely to give rise to mistakes. After the eighth month 

 well-marked symptoms of pregnancy are manifested, the belly 

 at this time being considerably distended, the back sinking,, 

 etc. Before this time it is, however, impossible to make a 

 positive statement as to the condition of the animal except 

 by making a very close and thorough examination per 

 rectum. The rectum should be cleared out by means of 

 an enema of tepid water ; the hand and arm should be well 

 oiled and passed into the rectum. The region of the uterus 

 being reached, an examination may be made of its condition. 

 It is also recommended by some practitioners to make an 

 examination through the vagina. Such a procedure is, 

 however, very objectionable, as, in case the animal is preg- 

 nant, the irritation thus set up may cause her to abort. 

 As the time for parturition approaches, the ligaments relax 

 to a greater or less degree, and a well-marked depres- 

 sion or sinking in the lumbo-sacral region may be observed, 

 the udder enlarges, and milk is secreted. The secretion of 

 milk sometimes appears long before the time of parturition, 

 and has occasionally been noticed to take place in animals 

 that have never been bred. As a rule the animal shows 

 slight uneasiness for a day or two before parturition, slight 

 abdominal pain, etc., being manifested. About this time 

 there usually appears a waxlike substance on the teat ; the 

 vulva becomes larger, and presents more or less tumefaction. 

 There may also be a flow of mucus observed taking place 

 from the vulva for a day or two before parturition. 



