176 A TREATISE ON HORSE-BREEDING. 



The foetal envelopes, or after-birth, are usually expelled 

 in a short time after natural labor; when retained for a day 

 or two no danger may be apprehended, so long as the mare 

 does not strain and her health continues unimpaired; but 

 surgical interference for their removal becomes necessary 

 when retained sufficiently long to render putrefaction proba- 

 ble. 



Aged mares, having very large and pendulous abdomens, 

 derive much comfort from a wide bandage passed several 

 times around the body, adjusted evenly and with a view of 

 affording support without exerting undue pressure. 



After-pains continued for more than an hour are to be 

 regarded as evidence of possibly some important derange- 

 ment of the womb and requiring skilled aid. The applica- 

 tion of a mustard and linseed poultice over the region of the 

 loins is always consistent treatment in these cases and may 

 be adopted at once to economize valuable time before the 

 arrival of the veterinary surgeon. 



When a mare foals in a standing position the foetus glides 

 down the thighs and reaches the ground unhurt; the umbili- 

 cal cord is severed and dangerous hemorrhage thereby pre- 

 vented , " When the act is accomplished in a recumbent atti- 

 tude, and the mare remains down, the cord must be divided 

 between two ligatures previously tied around it a couple of 

 inches apart, but if the mare rises immediately the cord will 

 be ruptured in a safe and satisfactory manner. 



Many foals are lost through want of attention at the mo- 

 ment of birth. When the functions of respiration are not 

 promptly established in the new-born foal, efforts must be 

 made to excite them by blowing violently up the muzzle and 

 into the mouth, and by briskly rubbing the body with a wisp. 

 If breathing is but slowly promoted a few teaspoonfuls of 

 brandy and water, given after the first few respirations, will 

 be of material service to invigorate the low vital powers. 



As soon as the mare has recovered from the shock the 

 maternal instinct should be encouraged by allowing her to 

 perform the office of nurse to her progeny, which will be 

 physically benefited thereby. If the dam refuses to dry and 

 caress her offspring, a little flour sprinkled over the back of 



