224 DISEASES OF CATTLE. 



three are not without clanger. Ergot of rVe, 1 ounce, or extract of 

 the same, 1 dram, may be resorted to to induce contraction of the 

 womb. The mechanical extraction of the membranes is, however, 

 often called for; of this there are several methods. The simplest is 

 to hang a weight of 1 or 2 pounds to the hanging portion, and allow 

 this, by its constant dragging and by its jerking effect when the cow 

 moves, to pull the membranes from their attachments and to stimu- 

 late the Avomb to expulsive contractions. But in the neglected cases, 

 when the dependent mass is already badly decomposed, it is liable 

 to tear across under the added weight, leaving a portion of the 

 offensive material imprisoned in the womb. Again, this uncontrolled 

 dragging upon a relaxed womb will (in exceptional cases only, it is 

 true) cause it to become everted and to protrude in this condition 

 from the vulva. 



A second resort is to seize the dependent part of the afterbirth 

 betAveen two sticks, and roll it up on these until they lie against the 

 vulva; then, by careful traction, accompanied by slight jerking move- 

 ments from side to side, the womb is stimulated to expulsive contrac- 

 tions and the afterbirth is wound up more and more on the sticks 

 until finally its last connections with the Avomb are seA^ered and the 

 remainder is expelled suddenly en masse. It is quite evident that 

 neglected cases. Avith putrid membranes are poor subjects for this 

 method, as the afterbirth is liable to tear across, leaving a mass in 

 the womb. During the progress of the Avork any indication of tear- 

 ing is the signal to stop and proceed with greater caution or alto- 

 gether abandon the attempt in this Avay. 



The third method (that Avith the skilled hand) is the most promptly 

 and certainly successful. For this the operator had best strip and 

 dress as for a parturition case. Again, the operation should be under- 

 taken within tAventy-four hours after calving, since later the mouth 

 of the womb may be so closed that it becomes difficult to introduce 

 the hand. The operator should smear his arms Avith carbolized lard 

 or vaseline to protect them against infection, and particularly in 

 delayed cases Avith putrid membranes. An assistant holds the tail to 

 one side while the operator seizes the hanging afterbirth Avith the left 

 hand, while he introduces the right along the right side of the A^agina 

 and Avomb, letting the membranes slide through his palm until he 

 reaches the first cotyledon to which they remain adherent. In case 

 no such connection is Avithin reach, gentle traction is made on the 

 membranes Avith the left haiid until the deeper parts of the Avomb are 

 brought within reach and the attachments to the cotyledons can be 

 reached. Then the soft projection of the membrane, which is attached 

 to the firm fungus-shaped cotyledon on the inner surface of the Avomb, 

 is seized by the little finger, and the other fingers and thumb are 

 closed on it so as to tear it out from its connections. To explain this, 



