ARTIFICIAL ABORTION 211 



Sequels. — A favorable termination may be anticipated when 

 dilatation after the operation is completed by the water-bag 

 and foetus. When during parturition much traction had to be 

 employed and the parts torn, a favorable issue is still possible 

 provided the serosa is intact and no communication with the 

 abdominal cavity exists. It sometimes happens, in parturi- 

 tions with incomplete dilatation, where head and legs never- 

 theless enter the pelvic canal, that the portio vaginalis tears to 

 pieces, when traction is exerted, without causing death. Lace- 

 rations situated anteriorly are much more dangerous, as the 

 circular muscular layer is much thinner in that region. It 

 frequently happens that, following the operation, dilatation is 

 insufficient, and that deep lacerations extending into the ab- 

 dominal cavities result from traction. Unfavorable termination 

 of the operation is due to septic peritonitis or a post-partum 

 infection. The latter frequently occurs and can only be 

 obviated by careful after-treatment, which should always be 

 practiced in such animals. It consists in the early removal of 

 the secundines, slight cauterization of the wounds and antiseptic 

 irrigations. For cauterization, a 5 to 10 per cent, solution of 

 zinc chloride or lunar caustic is used ; tincture of iodine may 

 also be used. As an antiseptic, and at the same time astringent 

 irrigation, a 2 per cent, alum solution renders excellent service. 



2.— Artificial Abortion.— Partus Praematurus 

 Artiflcialis. 



In some cases it may be indicated to produce birth at a 

 time when the foetus is not yet completely developed. Artificial 

 abortion in the cow is not often practiced, and its sequels are 

 often of a serious nature. 



Indications. — The diseased states indicating artificial abor- 

 tion are : 



1. Dropsy of the Foetal Envelopes. — The time at which the 

 operation should be performed for this condition depends on 

 the intensity of the disease and general state of the parent ; as 

 a rule, the seventh or eighth month of pregnancy is selected. 



