ABORTION 



123 



Prognosis, on the whole, is favorable for the cow. With 

 proper care most cases terminate well. 



Therapeutics. — While discussing the etiology, it was 

 remarked that lessened powers of resistance of the body form a 

 predisposing factor. Prophylaxis consists, therefore, primarily, 

 in the prevention of such a state by rational hygiene in the 

 widest sense of the word. Further prophylaxis is to prevent 

 infection and to destroy the infectious material either when 

 existing without or within the body. As regards the latter, 

 the experience of many veterinarians teaches the following 

 rules : 



1. A cow which has aborted must be isolated immediately. 

 Whenever possible, all the other pregnant cows should be 

 .emoved from that stable. In many cases this is impossible 

 for economic reasons, and the aborting cow is removed 

 instead. 



2. The foetus, which arrives either dead or dies soon after 

 delivery, is burnt. When the calf is still living, it must be 

 isolated and its faeces must not remain in the stable. 



3. The placenta of a cow should be removed by hand and 

 burned unless expelled by uterine contractions.. The uterus is 

 then irrigated with a two per cent, creolin solution, to be 

 repeated for several days. 



4 The stall occupied by the patient is cleansed, all hay 

 and straw removed, and the whole stall thoroughly dis- 

 infected. 



5. All manure lying behing the cows must be removed 

 twice daily. The floor is to be rinsed with water every morn- 

 ing after removal of the fseces, and should be sprayed once a 

 week with a three per cent, solution of copper sulphate. 

 Should the infectious agent already have entered the vulva or 

 vagina, it is still possible to reach it. 



Besides the therapeutic measures already given, it is advis- 

 able to act as follows : 



(a) Once daily, the tail, anus, vulva, internal and posterior 

 surface of the thigh must be washed with a two per cent, 

 creolin solution. 



