THE DISEASES OF CATTLE. 167 



In the removal of the placenta, I am careful not to pull 

 too hard on the umbilical cord, lest inversion of the uterus 

 ensue ; a little tact and patience, will often acomplish wonders. 

 The placenta may be detached from the cotyledons and yet it 

 cannot be drawn away, the probability is that some irregular 

 contraction of the uterus retains it, now we must exercise a 

 little patience, and then inti;pduce the arm and feel for the seat 

 of contraction, this can probably be dilated by the fingers, then 

 the placenta can easily be removed. 



In cases of protracted labor, when the cow is much exhausted, 

 the placenta may remain in the uncontracted uterus for want 

 of muscular power in the same to expel it. In such a case 

 I should give the cow about a quart of ginger tea and if 

 any tympany of the intestines exist, I should add a small 

 quantity of carbonate of soda. 



The absurd practice of attaching a weight to the membranes 

 or rolling them on a stick as heretofore recommended, is not in 

 accordance with my views of an enlightened system of practice. 

 To say the least, it is unscientific, and presents an unsightly 

 appearance ; the odor which arises from the putrid mass in the 

 course of a few days is enough to sicken a dog, and no doubt it 

 does sicken pregnant cows, and may induce abortion. The 

 membranes must be removed. 



The abominable practice of allowing the cow to devour the 

 after-birth is much to be deplored. I know the custom has the 

 sanction of long usage, but that in my opinion, is no argument 

 in its favor, the cow is not a cannibal nor a camiverous animal, 

 yet for the sake of getting rid of an unsightly and filthy mass 

 of carrion which ought to have been removed from her sight, 

 she is tempted, and finally, does devour it ; she may however, 

 sometimes be led to devour the placenta and foetal membranes 

 through the promptings of a morbid appetjte. The best and 

 safest way to dispose of the after-birth is to hum it, for the 

 odor arising from it under the process of decomposition, has a 

 bad effect on pregnant cows of a highly imaginative and nervous 

 temperament, and the odoriferous morbid germ is more active 

 in warm than cold weather. 



