LECTURE LV 

 OBSTETRICS (Continued) 



Accidents of Pregnancy 



Accidents of pregnancy are nearly all serious and should be 

 handled by a veterinarian whenever possible. A neighbor's 

 meddling has killed many a fine cow and mare that could have 

 been saved. 



Retention of the fetus. — This trouble is most common in 

 cows. The period of retention may vary from normal up to 

 years. A fetus may be dead and mummified, or it may decom- 

 pose. Aged mares sometimes carry beyond the normal period 

 for delivery and then give normal birth. 



Sijmptoms. — The mother may show labor pains at normal 

 time and all other symptoms of parturition may be present. 

 The symptoms soon disappear and the cow goes on as if non- 

 pregnant, but does not come in heat. 



Causes. — Retention of the fetus is due to such causes as par- 

 tial paralysis of the uterus, excessive adhesions between fetus 

 and uterus, deformed pelvis, and torsion of uterus. 



Treatment. — At the normal period of delivery with the cow 

 in labor and not progressing properly, the veterinarian should 

 be called, to dilate the cervix and force delivery if indications 

 justify such radical procedure. This is very difficult in the 

 cow and easier in the mare. If the cow has gone safely past 

 this period, then fatten and sell her for beef. 



Volvulus (twist). — A twist sometimes occurs in and near the 

 neck of the uterus and makes delivery exceedingly difficult. 



It is much more common in the cow than in the mare, and 

 usually occurs near the termination of pregnancy. 



Symptmns. — Labor pains and the normal symptoms of de- 

 livery appear at the usual time. If not relieved serious illness 

 may follow. The cow becomes anxious and restless, her respira- 

 tion is hurried. She shows abdominal discomfort, and if not 

 relieved will probably die. On examination, a spiral twist of 



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