Management of Calving. 325 



MEDICAL TREATMENT OF CALVIHG. 



Generally speaking, as an aid to birth giving, medical 

 treatment is not necessary ; the offspring coming naturally, at 

 the full period, can generally be got hold of by the hand, 

 and brought away with gentle force, or by waiting, will 

 emerge without assistance. 



Nevertheless, when the labor pains are languid, and occur 

 at long intervals, and where the animal has been in labor for 

 a considerable time, and it is found on examination that there 

 is no obstruction, a netural position, and a dilated mouth of 

 the womb, full doses of ergot, one to two ounces, should be 

 given. This drug does not act very efficiently on cows, and 

 has to be administered in large doses. 



Another instance where medicine is needed is where, both 

 in mares and cows, there is considerable irritability and 

 straining after the birth has come away. Unless it subsides 

 promptly the animal should have the following draught : — 



No. 364. Chloroform, 



Laudanum, each J oz. 



Give in a quart of warm milk, and repeat every hour until relief is 

 obtained. 



Sometimes this irritability shows itself in repeated spasms 

 or convulsions. The above mixture is then very applica- 

 ble ; but if there is a dry muzzle and a hot horn, showing a 

 tendency to a feverish condition, the following is j)referable : 



No. 365. Sweet spirits of nitre, 



Laudanum, of each 2 oz. 



Solution of acetate of ammonia, 4 oz. 



Give in a quart of milk every hour, till relieved. 



Some cows, especially those in low condition, for a week 

 or two before calving lose the power of their hind limbs, 

 and are unable to stand. Little can be done before they give 

 birth, besides allowing them laxative and nutritious food and 

 tonic medicine, while seeing that they are well bedded and 



