184 INVERSION OF THE WOMB. 



to keep the parts in their situation : for the throes are 

 apt to return under the name of after-pains ; and the 

 womb will be propelled out again. There are two 

 methods by means of which this is attempted to be 

 accomplished. 



The first, and one which never ought to be 

 resorted to, is, to pass strong stitches through the 

 lips of the vulva ; but the after-pains may return so 

 strongly, and the violence of the throes may be so 

 increased by the irritation of the stitches, that the 

 fastenings may give way, and the womb be driven 

 forth once more. 



A more successful way is to employ a proper har- 

 ness made for these occasions; or by the exercise of 

 a little ingenuity to adapt such as the stable may con- 

 tain to the purpose — the object being to fasten a 

 compress over, or, better still, to retain straps before 

 the vulva; so as to prevent any thing being ejected. 

 Before the harness is applied, cold water should be 

 freely thrown into the womb, and suffered to flow out 

 again. This is readily accomplished by means of 

 the injecting pipe. The operation should be con- 

 tinued until the mare showing symptoms of pain, 

 gives notice that the uterus has been excited to con- 

 tract ; for, when that has taken place, it will afterwards 

 be retained, The harness should then be fixed ; and 

 the animal treated according to circumstances. In 

 the generality of these cases the mare will be ex- 

 hausted, and stimulants will be needed in the first 

 instance : but they must not be too powerful or be 

 continued too long, as there is danger of inflamma- 

 tion starting up. The most speedy in its effects is 



