ABNORMALITIES OF THE EXPELLING POWEll 183 



especially abdominal pressure, in the direction of the parturient 

 passages. This was emphasized when dealing with anteversion. 

 During the process of involution we may attempt to encourage 

 uterine contractions directly or indirectly, the former by irriga- 

 tions with cold water, the latter by administering ergot of rye. 

 Violent pains may disturb the normal course of birth and 

 render difficult reduction of abnormal presentations. Although 

 such pains seldom induce hurried parturition {partus precipi- 

 tatus), they may lead to circulatory disturbances, even death of 

 the foetus. 



In many instances, when violent pains are mentioned, severe 

 abdominal pressure is meant. During the process of involution 

 it may result in prolapsus uteri. 



Therapeutics.— In order to diminish severe straining, inhal- 

 ations of ether, chloroform, morphine subcutaneously, chloral 

 hydrate per os, as clyster, may be administered. A simple 

 means to lessen straining consists in putting the cow on the 

 back or in elevating the hind legs. Some owners tie a curry- 

 comb to the back of the cow, or pinch the skin over the spinous 

 processes of the lumbar vertebras with tongues — brutal manip- 

 ulations, decidedly to be prohibited. 



II. 

 ABNORMALITIES OF THE FCETUS. 



1.— The Foetus Absolutely and Relatively too Large. 



In either case the foetus is too large, rendering normal 

 parturition impossible. The foetus absolutely too large may 

 coexist with a normal pelvic canal; a foetus relatively too 

 lavge represents a normally developed calf in a constricted 

 pelvis. 



The foetus absolutely too large may be out of proportion to 

 all parts of the pelvis ; but may be excessively developed in 

 certain diameters, preventing its passage on certain places of 

 the pelvis. 



