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DISEASES OF THE OX AND SHEEP. 66'd 



since otherwise they may decompose, and so give rise to septic 

 disease of the general system, as will be manifested by febrile 

 symptoms of a severe character. Retention may be due, either 

 to a want of the necessary expulsive efforts, or to entangle- 

 ment. Sometimes it may be found useful to roll the parts of 

 the cleansing which protrude round two thatch-sticks, and so 

 gradually rolling them round and round, draw what remains 

 away by degrees. Sometimes it may be well to introduce the 

 hand, and carefully separate the cotyledons from their points of 

 attachment. This method, however, should only be resorted to 

 as a last resource, and it is well to remember that, if they are at 

 all forcibly separated, serious bleeding may come on. 



Again, after-pains may supervene as a result of the retention 

 of foetal membranes, or as a consequence of injury to the womb, 

 or of some cause of irritation in the intestines. After delivery 

 has taken place, the womb slowly contracts, though it cannot do 

 this effectually so long as the membranes remain. This con- 

 traction causes an arrest of the flow of blood. If the after-pains 

 are severe, it may be found advisable to administer a dose of 

 antispasmodic medicine. 



Further, there may be a more or less profuse discharge of 

 blood from the womb. The blood may be clotted, and the 

 animal will show restlessness and weakness. In these cases 

 cold water may be continuously applied to the loins, or cold 

 or warm injections into the uterus may arrest the flow. It is 

 necessary in such cases to use a double-tubed injector, and to 

 fill both tubes of the injector with the fluid to be injected 

 before passing it into the womb. It is well to add some anti- 

 septic to the fluid. The ordinary haemostatic agents such as 

 perchloride of iron may be tried by the veterinarian, and in 

 some cases he may find it wise to administer a suitable stimu- 

 lant internally. Moreover, after delivery has been effected, 

 the cut or ruptured end of the cord may bleed. This will 

 probably soon cease, but, in any case, ligatures should be 

 applied to the two ends. It is a peculiar fact that cows will, 

 before and after parturition, devour all kinds of extraordinary 

 things, and, after delivery, even the foetal membranes. 



Numerous different kinds of abnormal presentations may be met 

 with, and we now proceed to mention some of the chief of these. 



(a.) Instead of both fore-feet and the head, one fore-foot only. 



