1 68 PA THOL OG Y OF GESTA TION. 



fever, septikaemia, or one of the many accidents which the presence of 

 such a body may produce. The course of external ovarian gestation, 

 which has been stated by Gurlt to occur in the domesticated animals, 

 appears to be as follows : the envelopes of the ovary rupture towards the 

 second or third month of the embryo's development, when the latter falls 

 into the abdominal cavity, where it constitutes what we have termed 

 '• abdominal " gestation, leaving only a cicatrix on the ovary. With 

 regard to internal ovarian pregnancy, the ordinary termination is rupture 

 of the organ, and fatal haemorrhage. 



Diagnosis and Treatment. 



There is absolutely nothing in the early, or even in the later stages of 

 extra-uterine pregnancy, especially ovarian and tubal, to indicate the ex- 

 istence of any deviation from normal gestation ; and when at length the 

 animal exhibits indications of approaching parturition, there may be 

 grave doubts as to the actual state of affairs, though the absence of cer- 

 tains signs may give rise to suspicion. The animal is uneasy and strains, 

 yet the vulva is not enlarged, and the flow of mucus observed in the pre- 

 liminary stage of ordinary parturition is not apparent. Exploration of 

 the cervix uteri by the vagina, will prove the absence of induration or 

 morbid tumefaction, as well as dilatation or contraction of the os, not- 

 withstanding the length of time that has elapsed and the expulsive efforts. 

 Palpation and inspection of the abdomen may also furnish certain infor- 

 mation with regard to volume, and the situation of the enlargement. 

 C ireful exploration of the abdominal cavity by the rectum, will be found 

 advantageous in cases of abdominal gestation uncomplicated with uterine 

 pregnancy. Not only can the condition of the uterus be satisfactorily 

 determined, but perhaps a tumor independent of that organ may be dis- 

 covered, and in which a foetus, or parts of one, can be felt. In such a 

 case, efforts must be made to check the attempts at parturition, though it 

 must be confessed that they are not likely to be successful. Sedatives, 

 large doses of opium, chloral, hot water applications to the abdomen, and 

 other measures of this kind are indicated. If the diagnosis is well estab- 

 lished, and the animal can be utilized for food, it is generally better to 

 have it destroyed if in fair condition. In cases in which the period of 

 parturition has passed, and when the animal has been unwell for some 

 time, exhibiting loss of appetite, with marked depression, quickened 

 pulse and increased temperature, and nothing else to account for these 

 symptoms, then we may suspect the existence of extra-uterine gestation 

 and putrefaction of the foetus. 



In the smaller animals — such as the Sheep, Goat, Bitch, etc., abdomi- 

 nal palpation can be readily resorted to, and often with most satisfactory 

 results. 



When elimination of the foetus has commenced in any of the modes just 

 described, active interference may or may not be necessary, according to 

 circumstances. The fistulous openings which may be occasioned by the 

 eliminative process, must be dealt with as ordinary fistulae. Should the 

 foetus chance to be alive, it is scarcely possible that it can be removed 

 by operation without greatly endangering the life of the mother. If in 

 abdominal gestation a tumor, simulating an abscess, forms on any part 

 of the abdomen, this may be carefully opened, and the foetus extracted 

 with a successful result. The accessory treatment, such as careful nurs- 

 ing and hygienic measures, must not be neglected. 



