668 THE DISEASES AND DISOBDERS OF THE OX. 



80 mild in its exterual symptoms as to escape ordinary observa- 

 tion, but at the same time of such a nature as to render the blood 

 of the dam affected thereby antagonistic to the life of the off- 

 spring. One very marked cause of abortion in high-bred 

 animals is the existence of tuberculosis, although this disease 

 may not be so marked as to kill the animal affected by it. 

 Careful management should be carried out, and advice should be 

 sought from the veterinary surgeon. We may also mention 

 close in-and-in breeding and the employment for too long a 

 period of one bull in a herd. Where the season is the cause, 

 preventive measures should be taken accordingly. If the season 

 is dry, plenty of succulent food and bran-mashes may be allowed. 

 If the season is too wet, then dry artificial food may be given. 

 Supposing one animal has aborted, it should at once be most 

 strictly isolated, and the foetal membranes should be very care- 

 fully removed. 



If abortion occurs at an early stage, it may be a matter of but 

 small consequence, the symptoms being very similar to those of 

 ordinary parturition. At a later date the act may be accom- 

 panied by some fever, a yellowish-red discharge, while the 

 secretion of milk may be greatly impaired. It is, of course, very 

 highly important that abortion should be put a stop to, so far as 

 may be possible. Should the disorder break out from year to 

 year, the food and water should be carefully examined, and the 

 herbage may be searched for any poisonous plants. Any irregu- 

 larity in the food-supply should be most carefully guarded 

 against, and those cows which have aborted or are about to do 

 so should be most scrupulously isolated. A gentle laxative, 

 together with perfect quiet and careful attention to the animal's 

 wants should be enjoined. 



Sometimes stimulant tonics may be required. If the foetal 

 membranes are not passed, they should be removed as soon as 

 possible. After a cow has once aborted, it is very liable to do so 

 again, and hence it is often better to fatten the cow for sale. 

 Tiie byres, the clothes of the men in charge, and so on, should 

 all be thoroughly disinfected. Any cause which seriously alters 

 the state of a pregnant animal may bring about abortion. If 

 the foetus dies while in the uterus, it is best that abortion should 

 take place, since otherwise the cow may go down with general 

 blood-poisoning. 



