PARALYSIS OF GESTATION 103 



place lier in slings with the whole weight resting upon the 

 belly-band, is ruinous. A cow when once up must stand upon 

 her own legs, but may of course be slightly supported. 



In order to assist a cow to rise, Von Johne's method is 

 practicable. A strong and long rope is placed upon the ground 

 and all around the cow, so that it lies in front under the sternum 

 and behind under the ischial tuberosities. The rope is tight- 

 ened aud its ends tied together. At each side of the cow three 

 persons are placed, who grasp the rope with the hands and 

 raise the cow when the word is given. The rope does not slip, 

 as it rests against the sternum and ischial tuberosities. When 

 necessary, both sides of the rope may be united by cross ropes 

 behind the elbow under the breast. Experience teaches us 

 that when a paralyzed patient is carried to the pasture (pro- 

 vided the weather permits and grass is plentiful), the danger 

 of decubitus is much less and the attempts at rising by the 

 animal and assisted by the owner are much more successful. 



It is advisable to put the cow upon her legs in the above 

 manner, soon after parturition. 



[In the treatment of ante-partum paralysis, artificial abor- 

 tion is the most successful therapeutic agent. My colleague, 

 Dr. T. F. Moyle, of Waterford, and myself tried it too many 

 times to leave any doubt. Observe the following rule : When 

 the cow is still able to rise and wabble, open the os uteri — 

 (take your time) — and with any instrument (we use the repeller) 

 perforate the foetal membranes, and leave her alone. When 

 the cow is down and unable to rise, open the os uteri, enter the 

 fcetal membranes and extract the foetus. We never failed to 

 see the cow rise and do well within twenty-four hours after the 

 removal of the young. — W.] 



I shall briefly consider the complications of this ailment. 

 First, prolapsus vagina?, which may become very troublesome. 

 When left to itself, it becomes eventually so great that the vagi- 

 nal portion of the uterus appears between the labia?. Attempts 

 • to reduce it are only then successful, where the hindquarters 

 . are elevated above the foreparts ; only then is suturing of the 

 vulva possible, as otherwise the stitches tear out in a few days. 



