40 BOVINE OBSTETRICS 



negative. In veterinary practice there are better anchor sheets 

 to recognize pregnancy than auscultation. 



INTERNAL EXAMINATION FOR PREGNANCY. 



To prove pregnancy beyond a doubt, the internal exam- 

 ination is preferable. By doing so the foetus is felt, thus 

 establishing its presence beyond a doubt. Should the exam- 

 ination be negative, in the fourth or fifth month of the period 

 of gestation, we cannot conclude that the animal is not 

 pregnant. A four or five month old foetus in very long cows, 

 or those with pendulous abdomen, cannot be reached. In 

 other cases again, a four month old foetus can be plainly 

 perceived by internal examination. 



The internal examination can be executed in two ways : per 

 vaginam and per rectum. The examination per vagi nam with 

 cows takes place as follows : On examination with the right 

 hand, an assistant pulls the tail to the right. The examiner 

 stands behind the cow a little toward the left. The hand, the 

 nails of which have been trimmed closely, is rubbed with pure 

 oil. In between times the assistant washes with soap and 

 water the tail and vulva, to prevent, on exploration of the 

 vagina, the introduction of faeces, which often adhere to the 

 outer surface of the labia. The hand is shaped like a cone, 

 and slowly, under rotary movements, enters through the vulva 

 into the vestibule. By advancing further, the tips of the 

 fingers touch the vaginal portion of the uterus. 



In the pregnant state the cervix is tightly shut and the os 

 uteri covered with tenacious mucus (the secretion of the 

 mucous folds, palma plicata). In the unimpregnated state the 

 cervical canal is also closed, but the mucus layer is less 

 adherent and solid. The beginner will find it advisable to 

 acquaint himself with the conditions of the vaginal portion of 

 the uterus by exploring unimpregnated animals. The calf can 

 be felt by vaginal exploration of the pregnant female ; but one 

 must remember that this is often only possible in well ad- 

 vanced gestation. For this reason rectal examination deserves 

 the preference. 



