302 DISEASES OF HORSES AND CATTLE. 



form the afterbirth which usually comes away at 

 the time of delivery. 



STERILITY. 



This happens more commonly in well-bred ani- 

 mals, especially in those that are forced by over- 

 feeding. There are several causes. First: Dis- 

 ordered ovaries. Second : Obstructions to the fal- 

 lopian tubes. Third: Morbid derangement of the 

 uterus or womb. Fourth: Hardening of the neck 

 of womb, closing the mouth of the uterus, etc. 

 Each of these derangements will be described here- 

 after. 



SIGNS OF PREGNANCY. 



Improvement in condition of the animal, to- 

 gether with no desire for the male. As it advances 

 the abdomen becomes pendulous and enlarged, the 

 mare becomes slower in action and cross; by and 

 by the udder begins to enlarge, also the membrane 

 of the vulva and vagina. About the fifth month 

 in the cow the calf may be felt. In the mare about 

 the seventh month. The walls of the abdomen in 

 front of the stifle being pushed up by the hand and 

 the hand then removed the foetus will fall again, 

 and can be easily felt as it falls down. In some 

 cows and mares, even at this period, it is very diffi- 

 cult to give a decided opinion; and to make an ex- 

 ploration by introducing the hand into the vagina 

 is not prudent, as the excitement may cause the 

 animal to abort. As the period of delivery draws 

 near, it will be easily seen. I will not take up the 

 time of the reader on this subject. 



