159 



rudiiuenlsof the foal. II" tlio oceiirreuee is soiucAvliat later in g-estalion 

 there will be some general disturbance, inappetence, neighing, and 

 straining, and tlie small bod}^ of the foetus is expelled, enveloped in 

 its membranes. Abortions during the later stages of pregnancy are 

 attended with greater constitutional disturbance, and the process 

 resembles normal i)arturition, with the aggravation that more effort 

 and straining is requisite to force the foetus through the comparatively 

 undilatable mouth of the womb. There is the swelling of the vulva, 

 witli mucus or even bloody discharge; the abdomen droops, the flanks 

 fall in, the udder fills, the mare looks at her flanks, jjaws with the fore 

 feet and kicks with the hind, switches the tail, moves around uneasily, 

 lies down and rises, strains, and, as in natural foaling, expels fii*st 

 mucus and blood, then the waters, and finally the foetus. This may 

 occupy an hour or two, or it may be j)rolonged for a day or more, the 

 symptoms subsiding for a time, only to reappear with renewed energy. 

 If there is lualiiresentation of the foetus it will hinder progress until 

 rectified, as in difficult parturition. Abortion may also be followed 

 by the same accidents, as flooding, retention of the placenta, and 

 leucorrhoea. 



The most important object in an impending abortion is to recognize 

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

 siiort and i)revented. Any general indefinable illness in a pregnant 

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

 ing, vascularity^ of its mucous membrane, and profuse mucous secre- 

 tion, and above all anj^ streak or staining of blood; also the condition 

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

 with colicky pains, straining, hoAvever little, and active movement of 

 the foetus or entire absence of movement, are suggesti^'e symptoms 

 and should be duly counteracted. 



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

 dition of the tail, may suggest an abortion alread}^ accomplished, and 

 the examination v.-ith 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. 



Treaiment should be preventive if possible, and would embrace the 

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

 seem to be i^articularh" operative in the particular case. Where abor- 

 tions have ali'eady occurred in a stud, the especial cause, in the mat- 

 ter of food, water, exposure to injuries, overwork, lack of exei-ciss, 

 etc., may often be identified and removed. A most important point 

 is to avoid all causes of constipation, diarrhea, indigestion, bloating, 

 violent purgatives, diuretics or other potent medicines, painful opei'a- 

 tions, and slippery roads, unless well frosted. 



AVhen abortion is imminent the mare should be i)laced alone in a 

 roomy, dark, quiet stall, and have the straining checked \yy some seda- 

 tive. Laudanum is usually at hand and may be given in doses of 1 



