274 MANUAL OF EQUINE MEDICINE. 



Treatment. — Depletion was practised in the former two 

 cases, one of which recovered. The bleeding was followed 

 by administration of cathartics. In the case before our 

 notice, a moderate dose of aloes was first given, and was 

 followed up by the administration of full doses of potassium 

 and sodium bromide, with tincture of assafoetida three times 

 daily. A laxative diet of bran-mashes and linseed-gruel 

 was ordered. The mare recovered completely in a few days. 



PARTURIENT FEVER. 



Definition. — Parturient fever is a slight febrile condition 

 occurring usually in from twenty-four hours to three days 

 after parturition, and usually terminating in recovery. 



Etiology. — The fever affects animals of all ages, but is of 

 more frequent occurrence after the first parturition. 



It is caused by cold, or by malhygienic conditions ; and 

 it may also be induced by dietetic errors. 



Symptoms. — The pulse is quick and full, and the respira- 

 tions are accelerated. The bowels are constipated, and the 

 temperature is raised somewhat. 



The visible mucous membranes are injected ; the secretion 

 of milk is arrested, and the lacteal gland is harder and hotter 

 than normally. 



Treatment. — A mild oleaginous purgative should be given, 

 and should be followed up by the administration of liquor 

 ammonias acetatis and nitric ether. 



The diet should be laxative, and restricted in amount. 



ACUTE METRITIS. 



Acute metritis, or acute inflammation of the uterus, occurs 

 within a few hours to three or four days after parturition, 

 and is an extremely fatal disease. 



Etiology and Nature. — The causes of acute metritis are 

 fatigue previous to parturition, injuries to the uterus and 



