Dropsy of the Am^iion and Allantois 425 



"bladder and urachus. According to Kammermann, the greater 

 amount of the fluid is generally in the allantois, but may be 

 found in the amnion. In those cases which are attended during 

 the life of the animal and in which the fetus is extracted, we 

 naturally obliterate the evidence as to the location of the fluid, 

 because it is all evacuated and the membranes are largely de- 

 stroyed. 



The increase in the amount of fluid varies greatly in different 

 cases. Harms records an accumulation of 8 1. in the goat, while 

 Lindenburg and Georgi record 120 and 150 1. in the cow. In 

 the mare, the amount may reach 100-160 1., according to Kam- 

 mermann and Georgi. These records, of course, indicate some of 

 the more severe cases and, between these and the normal, there 

 is every possible gradation. While we have observed several 

 instances in the cow, we have not accurately measured the 

 amount of fluid in any ca.se, but our estimates are in accord with 

 the foregoing. 



The symptoms in the cow vary greatly according to the 

 severity of the malady and, in many instances, they do not at- 

 tract much attention until the di.sease has acquired an extreme 

 degree. There appear some of the general symptoms of ill- health, 

 as indicated by a rough and staring coat. The eyes are sunken 

 and there are present the general appearances of dullness, weak- 

 ness and anemia. The pulse is weak and frequent and the heart- 

 beat more or le.ss tumultuous. The respiration is labored. The 

 movements of the animal are more or less difficult. The cow, in 

 many cases, emits a grunt during expiration. The appetite 

 finally becomes somewhat decreased and the bowels may be 

 slightly constipated, though there is usually nothing very evi- 

 dent .in this respect. Rumination may be decreased or sus- 

 pended. The urine is decreased in quantity. 



According to the acuteness of the malad}', thirst is increased, 

 since evidently the increased amount of fluid in the amnion or 

 allantois must be derived from the liquids which the animal con- 

 sumes. It con.sequently occurs that, in severe cases, there is 

 usually very great thirst. 



The abdomen becomes abnormally enlarged, the abdominal 

 walls exceedingly tense and percussion gives a dull sound. If 

 the animal is caused to move suddenly or the part is given a 



