362 A TREATISE ON HORSE-BREEDING. 



ination of the vulva as regards swelling 1 , vascularity of its 

 mucous membrane and profuse mucous secretion, and above 

 all any streak or staining of blood; also the condition of the 

 udder, if that is congested and swollen. Any such indica- 

 tion, with colicky pains, straining, however little, and active 

 movement of the foetus or entire absence of movement, are 

 suggestive symptoms and should be duly counteracted. 



The changes in the vulva and udder, with a soiled and 

 bloody condition of the tail, may suggest an abortion already 

 accomplished, and the examination with the hand in the 

 vagina may detect the mouth of the womb soft and dilatable 

 and the interior of the organ slightly filled with a bloody 

 liquid. 



Treatment should be preventive if possible, and would 

 embrace the avoidance of all causes mentioned, and particu- 

 larly of such as may seem to be particularly operative in 

 the particular case. Where abortions have already occurred 

 in a stud, the especial cause in the matter of food, water, ex- 

 posure to injuries, overwork, lack of exercise, etc., may often 

 be identified and removed. A most important point is to 

 avoid all causes of constipation, diarrhoea, indigestion, 

 bloating, violent purgatives, diuretics or other potent med- 

 icines, painful operations and slippery roads, unless well 

 frosted. 



When abortion is imminent the mare should be placed 

 alone in a roomy, dark, quiet .stall, and have the straining 

 checked by some sedative. Laudanum is usually at hand 

 and may be given in doses of one or two ounces, according 

 to" size, and repeated after two or three hours, and even daily 

 if necessary. Chloroform or chloral hydrate, three drachms, 

 may be substituted if more convenient. These should be 

 given in a pint or quart of water to avoid burning the mouth 

 and throat. Or viburnum prunifoHum, one ounce, may be 

 given and repeated if necessary to prevent straining. 



When all measures fail and miscarriage proceeds, all that 

 can be done is to assist in the removal of the foetus and its 

 membranes as in ordinary parturition. As in the case of re- 

 tention of the foetus, it may be necessary after delivery to 

 employ antiseptic injections into the womb to counteract 



