PARTURIENT PARESIS 359 



It Las been frequently observed that a cow which recov- 

 ered from parturient paresis was predisposed to it at the suc- 

 ceeding birth. Of the seventy-four above mentioned cows six 

 had the disease the year previous, some which calved later 

 several times escaped the disease. Gassner mentions a cow 

 which had parturient paresis three times in succession. I also 

 observed such a case. 



In localities where the animals are heavily fed and great 

 milkers the disease is more common than in parts where food 

 and lacteal secretions are limited. 



Symptoms. — In case the disease sets in during parturition, 

 the feeble pains first attract the attention of the owner. The 

 presentation of the calf is usually normal, so that but little 

 force is required to finish birth. 



Iu most cases parturition is easy and takes a normal 

 course, and the afterbirth is expelled in time. In those 

 seventy-four cases the afterbirth was retained in only four of 

 them at the time of the attack. 



The first symptoms are : diminished appetite, decreased 

 or hard defecation and weakness of the hind legs. The latter 

 shows itself by the fact that the animal paddles with the hind 

 legs. 



When these symptoms have persisted for several hours the 

 weakness of the hind legs increases. Cows which are out on 

 pasture show a swaying walk and often remain on the same 

 place for quite some time. 



In stall-fed animals this persistent standing is also seen; 

 they are afraid to lie down. 



Finally, when paresis of the hind legs becomes well ad- 

 vanced, the animal is unable to stand up any longer and falls 

 down. Sometimes the animal attempts to rise with a great 

 effort, and when successful will stand with the hind legs 

 spread far apart, leaning against the wall. This only lasts a 

 few minutes, when it collapses, not to rise for the present. 



The cow is now in the stage when the veterinarian is 

 usually called. On examination the following phenomena are 

 noticed, which may be divided into three groups : 



