88 HEALTH AND DISEASE 



for flooding in mares more often than among other domesticated animals 

 which occupy more time in parturition. This, however, is not the case. 



The period occupied in delivery would seem to determine the dis- 

 position to hemorrhage, whether by unaided expulsive efforts on the part 

 of the animal or by artificial interference. The previous state of health of 

 the mare is a factor doubtless to be reckoned with, as it will be obvious 

 that the vessels of a debilitated animal will have less power of contraction 

 than those of a more healthy and robust constitution. Predisposition to 

 hemorrhage is also due in some cases to congenital weakness of the uterine 

 mucous membrane and to injuries sustained in previous difficult labours. 



Symptoms. Persons without experience of brood mares might assume 

 that uterine hemorrhage would necessarily be attended with an immediate 

 discharge of blood per vulvam, but this is far from being the case, for the 

 uterus in its dilated condition may continue to retain it for some time and 

 in large amount without any outward appearance of its presence. Where 

 this is so the more frequent signs are those of trembling, coldness of the 

 surface and extremities, pallor of the visible membranes, a quick but feeble 

 pulse, interrupted heart-beats, and throbbings of that organ, followed by 

 anxiety of countenance, staggering gait, sighing, and inability to maintain 

 a standing attitude. Cold perspiration and muscular tremors invariably ap- 

 pear before the animal finally sinks upon the ground and dies in convulsions. 



Treatment. To arrest the blood-flow and sustain the vital powers 

 must be our first care. The placenta or after-birth is to be removed, for 

 its presence is a hindrance to that contraction of the womb which is so 

 necessary a sequel to parturition. The mere fact of its removal will in 

 many instances bring about the desired effect, but undue force in effecting 

 this is to be deprecated, and the expert in such matters will strive to remove 

 the placenta by the gentlest traction, while leaving no portion of the viscus 

 unexplored. Experienced veterinary obstetrists recommend the introduc- 

 tion of the hand into the uterine cavity, as its presence and gentle move- 

 ment over the mucous membrane excites the organ to contract, thereby 

 closing the broken vessels. It is important that the organ should be freed 

 from clots of blood, which might otherwise decompose and lead to septic 

 conditions. The accoucheur is here confronted with a difficulty, since he 

 must interfere with nature's ordinary method of arresting hemorrhage by 

 removing the clot, or risk the development of pathogenic organisms and 

 the consequences they entail. The practice of introducing cold water, or 

 a sponge saturated with it, has sometimes proved effectual in arresting 

 uterine bleeding, and on the other hand very hot water has been advocated 

 by some as a styptic agent. Neither the hand nor any medicinal substance 

 should be inserted, with a view to arrest hemorrhage, without employing 



