THE HYGIENE OF PREGNANT ANIMALS. 



Little can be said, in reference to the hygiene of a pregnant 

 female, which would not equally apply to the same species of 

 animal in an unimpregnated state. It has been held by many 

 that the pregnant female requires different care from others, but 

 there is no scientific reason why this should be so, nor have we 

 any clinical experience supporting such a contention. 



There is but one view-point from which we may claim that 

 special care is essential for the well-being of the pregnant female 

 and the young within her uterus. The weight of the fetus 

 tends to render the animal somewhat less capable of performing 

 certain kinds of labor or movements and the attachments of the 

 fetus with the uterus are such that any very violent movements 

 may cause some disturbance of these. It consequently follows 

 that, in animals in an advanced state of pregnancy, more care 

 should be used in reference to violent exertions. This is seen 

 to some extent in all animals, but more especially in our larger 

 herbivora, where the single, very large fetus may cause some 

 disturbance of the placental attachments should any sudden 

 movement of the mother occur. In a general way, however, we 

 would not care to submit a non-pregnant animal to such abuse 

 as might lead to injury of the pregnant female. 



The well-being of the pregnant female is best con.served by 

 the same diet which would maintain the non-pregnant animal in 

 the best state of health and, in relation to exercise, the same 

 conditions hold true. Tho.se pregnant females which are 

 allowed their freedom and, consequently, get normal exercise 

 without any serious disturbance are those which most regularly 

 pass through the pregnant state without serious inconvenience 

 and danger. Next to these we find the safest pregnancy in 

 the mare to be that accompanied by regular daily labor of a 

 gentle character. 



Any violent movements in any pregnant female are, of course, 

 to be obviated as far as practicable. It is important that the 

 pregnant mare which is worked should not be roughly jostled 

 by the pole of a vehicle, because such blows may serve to directly 

 injure the fetus or disturb its placental attachments and thus 

 imperil its life. Abortion following, the life of the mother may 

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