562 Veterinary Obstetrics 



washed with a liquid antiseptic and thus guarded against serious 

 nfection. It is evident that, if these antiseptic solutions are 

 applied with sufficient frequency and thoroughness, thej- must 

 accomplish their purpose of preventing putrefaction of the cord, 

 with its accompanying dangers. 



This is neither so efficacious nor so convenient as the preced- 

 ing plan. The presence of the ligature tends to prevent the re- 

 traction of the stumps of the umbilic arteries, and keeps them in 

 a position where they are far more exposed to the po.ssibilities 

 of infection. There is probably also an increased liability to 

 hemorrhage, as viewed from the standpoint of clinical experi- 

 ence. We have known but one fatality' from umbilic hemor- 

 rhage in the foal, and this was caused by, or at least occurred 

 with, ligation and excision of the cord. We all recognize 

 clearly the- far greater tendency toward hemorrhage from an 

 artery when it has been divided by cutting instead of by linear 

 tension, scraping, or other kind of mutilation. If, in addition 

 to this, the artery is not allowed to retract or its proper retraction 

 is interfered with, the tendency to bleeding is greatl}^ increased. 



Ligation of the umbilic cord by an ignorant layman or careless 

 veterinarian is one of the most dangerous interferences with a 

 wound known to surgery. Frequently the work is done with 

 dirty hands, and a common cord is used without sterilization. 

 Often the cord used is repulsively dirty. The Whartonian 

 gelatin is imprisoned on the one hand by the ligature, on the 

 other by the almost impervious amniotic sheath of the cord. 

 The imprisoned fluid furnishes an excellent culture medium for 

 decomposition bacteria ; the dirty hands of the operator, the 

 dirty ligature, or flies attracted by the moist cord, furnish the 

 infection and cause putrid decomposition of the cord, which 

 should dessicate instead. 



The ligature detains the arteries, veins and urachus in the 

 infected area, and eventually a more or less extensive infection 

 occurs and there results a series of highly fatal maladies which 

 we shall consider under " Infections of the New-Born." 



3. The urethra, anus and other external openings should be 

 observed to see that they are normal. In case of abnormality 

 it should be determined whether or not they require attention. 



4. It should be determined that the various excretions of the 

 body are taking place normally. It must be learned that tlie 



