82 . NON-SPECIFIC OR GENERAL DISEASES 



The hands, instniments, and cords must be freed from germs 

 by "washing with a disinfectant, or sterilization with heat. The 

 quarters must be clean in order to prevent contamination of the 

 instruments and clothing of the attendant by filth. Extreme 

 force is injurious. For illustration, we may take a case of 

 difficult birth caused by an unusually large fa?tus. Both pres- 

 entation and ])Osition are nonnal, the forefeet and head having 

 entered the pelvic cavity, but the shoulders and chest are jammed 

 tightly in the inlet, and the progress of the fcctus along the 

 maternal passages is retarded. By using sufficient force, we 

 may succeed in delivering the young, but by pulling on one limb 

 until the shoulder has entered the pelvis, and repeating this 

 with the opposite limb we are able to deliver the young without 

 exposing the mother to injury. It may be necessary to change 

 an abnormal presentation, or position, to a nonnal presentation, 

 or as nearly normal as possible. This should be done before 

 any attempt is made to remove the foetus. 



Following birth the mother should not be unnecessarily dis- 

 turbed. The quarters should be clean, well bedded and venti- 

 lated, but free from draughts. If the parturition has been 

 normal, a small quantity of easily digested feed may be fed. 

 If weak and feverish, feed should be withheld for at least twelve 

 hours. The mare should be rested for a few weeks. The young 

 needs no special attention if it is strong and vigorous, but if 

 weak, it may be necessary to support it while nursing, or milk 

 the mother and feed it by hand. If the mother is nervous and 

 irritable, it may be necessary to remove the young temporarily 

 to a place where she can hear and see it, until a time when she 

 can be induced to care for it. The principal attention required 

 for young pigs is protection against being crushed by the mother. 

 The cutting off and ligation of the umbilical cord at a point a 

 few inches from tlio abdomen, and applying tincture of iodine 

 or any reliable disinfectant is very advisable in the colt and calf. 



Retention of the Fetal Membranes. — The fcptus in envel- 



