182 BOVINE OBSTETRICS 



Sequels. — As a result of weak uterine contractions the 

 expulsion of the calf is retarded, and the possibility exists that 

 the calf is but little advanced, so that parts of it do not reach 

 the pelvic canal. With twins, the birth of the first calf usually 

 takes place rapidly, while the second one is more slowly 

 expelled on account of the decreased contractions; therefore 

 the owner is often of the opinion that with the appearance of 

 the first calf parturition is at an end, looking upon later pains 

 as after pains, by which the fcetal membranes are to be removed. 



I have seen cases, where the owners, thinking parturition 

 was finished, feared prolapsus uteri on account of the persistent 

 pains. They used all sorts of measures to prevent it, as pinch- 

 ing the back of the cow, applying a truss, etc. In one case, 

 where the owner apprehended prolapsus, I found to his 

 astonishment the water-bag of a second calf in the vagina. 

 After removal of the truss the second calf was born, eight hours 

 after the first one. Feeble pains impeded expulsion. 



As a second effect of feeble pains, the expulsion of the 

 fcetal membranes {secundince) is retarded. When discussing 

 hydrallantois, I referred to it. In twin births the retarded 

 expulsion due to diminished contractions of the uterus are also 

 observed. In the chapter on prolapsus and inversio uteri, we 

 shall see that feeble pains, together with strong abdominal 

 pressure, readily give rise to an inversion. 



Symptoms. — Feeble pains during parturition are recognized 

 by the light pressure they exert upon the calf. The presenta- 

 tion may be normal, the parturient passages prepared, and still 

 expulsion does not advance. The diagnosis is easily made on 

 introducing the arm into the uterus. In many the dilatation of 

 the cervix uteri is incomplete, partly due to the insufficient 

 uterine contractions and consequently limited mechanical action 

 of the water-bag. 



Therapeutics. — Treatment is only of use in few cases; for 

 instance, in excessive distention of the uterus ; in those cases 

 we can effect some uterine contractions. Success at the same 

 time is but small, and it is much better to practice traction. 

 Care must be taken to guide the force of the expelling powers, 



