DISEASES OP THE OX AND SHEEP. 669 



KETENTION OF THE PLACENTA OR AFIER- 

 BIRTH. 



This is very commonly attendant upon abortion, but it may 

 also very often happen even after an otherwise normal delivery. 

 Retention may be due to weakness on the part of the cow, while, on 

 the other hand, an unduly energetic contraction of the uterus may 

 also be a cause, the placental membrane becoming entangled in 

 one of the horns of the uterus. Retention itself is not a matter 

 of very great consequence, except in so far as the membranes 

 are very liable to decompose ; if so, the cow will suffer from 

 blood-poisoning. In the general way, in ordinary cases of 

 retention, a dose of cathartic medicine coupled with an aromatic 

 will suffice, such, for instance, as a drench made up of fourteen 

 ounces of Epsom salts, one ounce of powdered ginger, and one 

 ounce of carraway seeds, to be given in about a pint of warm 

 ale. If the placenta has been retained some time, as a conse- 

 quence either of entanglement or of want of the necessary efforts 

 at expulsion owing to weakness, it should be removed. Usually 

 a slight recurrence of pains brings about expulsion. Traction 

 may be applied by the medium of the protruding portion of the 

 cord, the efforts made coinciding with the labour-pains, or, as 

 we said previously, the projecting parts may be rolled round 

 two pieces of stick. If these methods do not suffice, the 

 hand should be introduced into the uterus, and the placenta 

 should be carefully separated, any rough measures being strictly 

 avoided. Each cotyledon should be separated from its place of 

 attachment. If the membranes begin to decompose, there is a 

 fetid discharge, and typhoid symptoms may be manifested. 

 After the placenta has been removed, the uterus may be well 

 washed out with chlorinated lime. Laxative medicines may be 

 given internally, and the cow may be well supplied with good 

 gruel. Occasionally severe fever may come on, the appetite be 

 lost, the pulse become weak, quick, and well-nigh indistinct at 

 the jaw, and a fetid discharge comes out of the vagina. At 

 first there may be constipation, and, at a later stage, diarrhoea. 

 Thick gruel, together with ale, should be given at short intervals, 

 and, if necessary, also strong stimulants, such as brandy, spirits 

 of nitre, and so on. 



