ABORTION. 163 



The most important object in an impending abortion is to recog- 

 nize it at as early a stage as possible, so that it may, if possible, be cut 

 short and prevented. Any general indefinable illness in a preg- 

 nant mare should lead to a close examination of the vulva as regards 

 swelling, vascularity of its mucous membrane, and profuse mucus 

 secretion, and, above all, any streak or staining of blood; also the 

 condition of the udder, if that is congested and swollen. Any such 

 indication, with colicky pains, staining, however little, and active 

 movement of the fetus or entire absence of movement, are suggestive 

 symptoms and should be duly counteracted. 



The changes in the vulva and udder, with a soiled and bloody con- 

 dition of the tail, may suggest an abortion already accomplished, and 

 the examination with the hand in the vagina may detect the mouth 

 of the womb soft and dilatable and the interior of the organ slightly 

 filled with a bloody liquid. 



Treatment should be preventive if possible, and would embrace the 

 avoidance of all causes mentioned, and particularly of such as may 

 seem to be particularly operative in the particular case. Where abor- 

 tions have already occurred in a stud, the especial cause in the matter 

 of food, water, exposure to injuries, overwork, lack of exercise, etc., 

 may often be identified and removed. A most important point is to 

 avoid all causes of constipation, diarrhea, indigestion, bloating, vio- 

 lent purgatives, diuretics or other potent medicines, painful opera- 

 tions, and slippery roads, unless well frosted. 



When abortion is imminent, the mare should be placed alone in a 

 roomy, dark, quiet stall, and have the straining checked by some 

 sedative. Laudanum is usually at hand and may be given in doses of 

 1 or 2 ounces, according to size, and repeated after two or three hours, 

 and even daily if necessary. Chloroform or chloral hydrate, 3 drams, 

 may be substituted if more convenient. These should be given in a 

 pint or quart of water, to avoid burning the mouth and throat. Or 

 Viburnum prunifolium, 1 ounce, may be given and repeated if neces- 

 sary to prevent straining. 



When all measures fail and miscarriage proceeds, all that can be 

 done is to assist in the removal of the fetus and its membranes, as in 

 ordinary parturition. As in the case of retention of the fetus, it may 

 be necessary after delivery to employ antiseptic injections into the 

 womb to counteract putrid fermentation. This, however, is less 

 requisite in the mare than in the cow, in which the prevalent con- 

 tagious abortion must be counteracted by the persistent local use of 

 antiseptics. After abortion a careful hygiene is demanded, especially 

 in the matter of pure air and easily digestible food. The mare should 

 not be served again for a month or longer, and in no case until after 

 all discharge from the vulva has ceased. 



