531 THE PRACTICE OF VETERINARY MEDICINE. 



becomes quickened, and shorter than usual ; the patient 

 lies down, and is unable to rise ; the bowels are consti- 

 pated ; the urine scant in quantity and high in colour ; the 

 animal very often groans heavily, and gives other indications 

 of suffering pain of a very severe character. In a majority 

 of cases there is a reddish brown fluid discharged from the 

 vagina. It is a very fatal disease, and in nearly all cases 

 where extensive inflammation is present, death is the result. 

 A post-mortem examination reveals a greater or less amount 

 of exudation into the peritoneal cavity. 



Treatment. — The patient should be placed in a comfort- 

 able, well-ventilated place, and given a good bed. She 

 should also be kept as quiet as possible. A mild laxative 

 may be administered as soon as the character of the malady 

 is ascertained. A strong purgative should, however, never 

 be given, as it would only serve to aggravate the trouble. 

 Enemas of warm water maybe freely employed, and the vagina 

 and uterus may also be injected with warm water. Seda- 

 tives and opiates will be found to be of the greatest service; 

 hence opium in some of its forms should be given in small 

 and repeated doses to allay pain and control irritability. 

 As a heart sedative, aconite stands pre-eminent, the tincture 

 being the most preferable form in which to administer it. 

 It should be given in repeated doses of medium size until 

 the pulse indicates that a sufficient quantity has been adminis- 

 tered. Cold water to drink should be allowed frequently, but 

 in small quantities at a time. An oleaginous draught as a 

 laxative is preferable to any other. It is essential that the 

 body of the patient be kept warm, an object that may be 

 effected by means of clothing. If recovery takes place, 

 the animal should be fed for awhile on nutritious food, 

 given tonics, etc. 



