238 NORMAL PARTURITION, 



ence ; and it is just possible that when birth takes place in this position 

 without aid, this obliquity may have been present. 



In the Cow, the calf is more frequently born alive in this position than 

 the foal, and birth is easier ; a circumstance which is, in all probability, 

 due to the smaller dimensions of the croup in the young of the bovine 

 species. 



CHAPTER III. 



Necessary Aid in Normal Parturition. 



Although, as a rule, parturition is generally effected in animals in what 

 v/e have designated a " spontaneous '' manner (without the intervention 

 of man), and without danger or prejudice to the mother or offspring ; and 

 although these do not require that minute and scrupulous attention be- 

 stowed on woman, even when birth has been easy ; yet from the nature 

 of this act and the unfavorable consequences which are sometimes noted, 

 certain precautions should be observed by the owner of the animals at 

 this period, and especially if these should happen to be valuable and very 

 artificially kept. These attentions and precautions should be entrusted 

 for their carrying out to competent persons selected by the owner ; as it 

 is seldom that the veterinarian is called in unless something serious has 

 occurred. The mother as well as the offspring require watching, and 

 more or less nursing. 

 • 



SECTION I. ATTENTION TO THE MOTHER. 



With the smaller animals, except perhaps the Bitch, but little prepara- 

 tion is needed, and the act of parturition is accomplished without any 

 trouble. But with the larger and more valuable creatures — such as the 

 Mare and Cow, and even the Sheep — certain precautions should be 

 adopted. With the Mare and Cow particularly, this function is accom- 

 panied by pain, restlessness, and a certain amount of excitement, which 

 necessitate attention. For instance, an animal tied up in a stall among 

 other animals of the same or different species, is more exposed to acci- 

 dents than one which is in a place by itself, or which is at liberty in a 

 pasture or meadow. Therefore, the Mare about to foal should be allowed 

 a roomy loose-box, well supplied with soft litter ; and the Cow should, if 

 possible, be similarly provided. If either animal must be kept tied, then 

 the fastening should' be of such a kind that it can readily be undone when 

 required. The Sow should have a separate sty, and even the Sheep may 

 need a separate allotment. If kept in a dwelling, the temperature should 

 be comfortable and the ventilation good. 



A. During Labor. — When parturition commences, it is rare indeed 

 that any thing requires to be done during at least the two first stages — 

 those of preparation and dilatation of the os. Therefore, the animal should 

 be allowed perfect quietude ; and if the light in the stable is too bright, 

 it may be partially excluded. A trustworthy person may remain with it, 

 in order to avert accidents ; but he should keep himself out of sight, and 

 meddle with the animal as little as possible. Some creatures, and partic- 



