I020 Veterinary Obstetrics 



method of handling to laymen, but the remedy demands applica- 

 tion by the veterinarian himself. Unless properly applied, 

 closely watched and carefully reapplied, the pad quickly becomes 

 befouled and at once acts as a retainer and promoter of infection. 

 In our judgment, so complicated a method of handling is alike 

 needless and dangerous. 



In our experience we have had most excellent results by a far 

 simpler method, which we believe safer and more efficient. We 

 provide the breeder with a dessicating antiseptic powder for ap- 

 plication to the navel cord as soon as the foal or other young 

 animal is born. This powder may be variously compounded, 

 according to the taste of the veterinarian, but should consist of 

 reliable antiseptics having a distinct dessicating power. We 

 would suggest, for such a powder, equal parts of iodoform, tannin, 

 oxide of zinc and starch, all finely powdered and mixed. The 

 oxide of zinc might be displaced by calomel, or the latter might 

 be added to the compound suggested. Quite as good, or per- 

 haps even superior, is a powder consisting of equal parts of dessi- 

 cated alum, gum-camphor and starch, finely powdered and thor- 

 oughly mixed. The latter mixture is especially efficient in 

 keeping flies away from the moist cord. 



For the application of such a powder, the owner or veterina- 

 rian should first thoroughly cleanse and disinfect his hands. If 

 the navel has become soiled, it also should be cleansed and dis- 

 infected. The navel cord should not be tied. We have al- 

 ready stated our objections to ligating the cord, on page 1005. 

 If it is unruptured, the caretaker, after disinfecting his hands, 

 should pull, tear or scrape the cord in two, under antiseptic pre- 

 cautions, at a distance of about two or three inches from the 

 navel, after which, with his thumb and finger, he should press 

 out from the stump the Whartonian gelatine and fluids. After 

 this has been well done, the powder should be dusted over the 

 stump of the navel very freely and repeatedly, until the rem- 

 nant of the cord has become completely dessicated and the navel 

 hermetically sealed. 



If the application is repeated three or four times at intervals 

 of one-half hour, the stump of the cord is well mummified with- 

 in two to four hours and the danger from infection is eliminated. 

 The horse-breeder should be impressed with the fact that the 

 efficacy of the remedy depends wholly upon the early and 



