DISEASES OF THE HOKSE. 1G3 



ing, vascularity of its mucous membrane, and profuse mucus secre- 

 tion, and, above all, any streak or staining of blood; also the condition 

 of the udder, if that is congested and swollen. Any such indication, 

 with colick}- pains, straining, however little, and active movement of 

 the fetus or entire absence of movement, are suggestive sj-mptoms and 

 should be dulj^" counteracted. 



The changes in the vulva and udder, with a soiled and bloody con- 

 dition of the tail, may suggest an abortion alread}'- accomplished, and 

 the examination with the hand in the vagina ma}^ detect the mouth 

 of the womb soft and dilatable and the interior of the organ slightly 

 filled with a blood}^ liquid. 



Treatment should be preventive if possible, and would embrace the 

 avoidance of all causes mentioned, and particularh^ of such as may 

 seem to be particularly operative in the particular case. Where abor- 

 tions have already occurred in a stud, the especial cause in the mat- 

 ter of food, water, exposure to injuries, overwork, lack of exercise, 

 etc., may often be identified and removed. A most important point 

 is to avoid all causes of constipation, diarrhea, iadigestion, bloating, 

 violent purgatives, diuretics or other potent medicines, painful opera- 

 tions, and slippery roads, unless well frosted. 



When abortion is imminent the mare should be placed alone in a 

 roomy, dark, quiet stall, and have the straining checked by some seda- 

 tive. Laudanum is usually at hand and may be given in doses of 1 

 or 2 ounces, according to size, and repeated after two or three hours, 

 and even dail}^ if necessary. Chloroform or chloral hydrate, 3 drams, 

 may be substituted if more convenient. These should be given in a 

 pint or quart of water, to avoid burning the mouth and throat. Or 

 Yilmrnxtin frunifolivin, 1 ounce, maj- be given and repeated if neces- 

 sary to prevent straining. 



When all measures fail and miscarriage proceeds, all that can be 

 done is to assist in the removal of the fetus and its membranes, as in 

 ordinar}^ parturition. As in the case of retention of the fetus, it may 

 be necessary after deliver}- to employ antiseptic injections into the 

 womb to counteract putrid fermentation. This, however, is less requi- 

 site in the mare than in the cow, in which the prevalent contagious 

 al)ortion must be counteracted by the persistent local use of antiseptics. 

 After abortion a careful h^ygiene is demanded, especiall}^ in the matter 

 of pure air and easily digestible food. The mare should not be served 

 again for a month or longer, and in no case until after all discharge 

 from the vulva has ceased. 



SYMPTOMS OF PARTURITION. 



As the period of parturition approaches the swelling of the udder 

 bespeaks the coming event, the engorgement in exceptional cases 

 extending forward on the lower surface of the abdomen and even into 



