428 Veteriiiary Obstetrics 



lose their power of contraction and cannot effectively aid in the 

 dilation of the os uteri and the expulsion of the fetus and fluids. 

 Possibh' the debility of the uterus was the cause of the dis- 

 ease. When the time for parturition arrives, the patient shows 

 some uneasiness and possibly some very slight evidences of labor 

 pains, not of a vigorous character. 



The prognosis of dropsy of the amnion is very grave for both 

 the mother and the fetus. In mild cases, it may be favorable 

 for the mother and a living fetus may be born. In the severe 

 cases, the fetus is generally too feeble to live after birth. The 

 mother, also, is usually so weak and her uterus so flaccid and 

 open to infection that she is very liable to perish. Almost 

 uniformly, hydrops amnii is followed by retention of the fetal 

 membranes, which gives rise to serious complications. 



The gravity of the condition is often very deceptive to the 

 owner and the inexperienced veterinarian. The patient is free 

 from pain and fever, looks bright and cheerful and may retain a 

 fair appetite. 



In mild cases, spontaneous birth may occur, but as a general 

 rule assistance must be given in order to bring about the expul- 

 sion of the uterine contents. In the very .severe ca.ses the ani- 

 mals show complete loss of appetite, become unable to rise, and 

 soon succumb to the general weakness and decubitis. These 

 symptoms are intensified by the interference of respiration caused 

 by the pressure of the fluid upon the diaphragm. When the 

 abdominal muscles give way and the uterus de.scends against the 

 skin until it nearly reaches the ground, or rupture of the uterus 

 occurs, as observed by Kamniermann, death quickly follows. 



If the dropsy is slight, and the mother does not seem to suffer 

 great inconvenience from it, the case may be allowed to go 

 without interference until the normal period of parturition has 

 been reached. At this time the patient should be closely 

 w^atched and early a.ssistance given in order that birth may take 

 place without too great difficulty or danger. Such mild cases 

 are rarely, if ever, diagnosed. 



Whenever the disease is well defined, so that the mother has 

 difficulty in getting up when down and is evidently suffering 

 seriously from the malady, complete evacuation of the uterine 

 cavity should at once be brought about. The os uteri should be 



