144 OBSTETRICAL PHYSIOLOGY. 



In the Cow after the fifth or sixth month, the presence of the 

 foetus can be readily ascertained by this means; but in Sohpeds it is 

 not until the seventh or eighth month that the same information can 

 be derived ; and, besides, it is not always easy to apply this mode of 

 investigation to these animals, because of their fidgetiness. It is better 

 to examine the animal when it is standing, as the signs are not so per- 

 ceptible when it is recumbent. The examiner stands on the right side 

 of the Cow, the left of the Mare, with his back towards the animal's 

 head, and applies the palm of his right or left hand against the abdomen, 

 immediately below the flank, about eight or ten inches in front of 

 the stifle, and just above the udder, pressing moderately, the other 

 hand resting on the back. At this part of the abdomen a hard volu- 

 minous mass can be felt in the uterus, while the movements of the 

 foetas are perceptible as it stirs at irregular intervals, and causes the 

 jerks and shock of its displacements to be communica,ted to the walls 

 of the abdomen. These movements are strongest in the morning, and 

 are more distinct if the mother is eating or drinking, especially if the 

 water is cold, or immediately after feeding. Some old authorities 

 recommend that, to render the movements of the foetus more per- 

 ceptible, the Mare should be trotted, put in the stable and given 

 some food, and then, by placing the hand on the before-mentioned 

 region, the foal will be felt if it is there. The distention of the stomach 

 by food compresses the other abdominal organs, and especially the 

 uterus, and the inconvenient displacement excites the young creature to 

 movement. The ingestion of fluids does the same, and particularly if 

 they are cold ; for then they powerfully affect the foetus by the uncom- 

 fortable sensation they give rise to. Cold water thrown against the 

 belly, or the application of the cold wet hand, will produce a similar 

 effect. In the Cow, smart compression of the abdomen with the closed 

 fist at the part just indicated, so as to push the uterus upwards and 

 allow it to return with a little force, is also a good method of ascertain- 

 ing the presence of the foetus, and will prove successful when simple 

 application of the flat hand will fail. It is most likely to succeed 

 when there is not much food in the stomach and intestines, as the 

 uterus is then much easier displaced. When this compression has been 

 made with some energy, the uterus strikes the abdominal wall immedi- 

 ately afterwards, and then there can be perceived a firm voluminous 

 mass ; this is the uterus containing the foetus. 



At a more advanced period, in the last two months, the movements of 

 the foetus can be easily remarked as it jumps about briskly, striking 

 the interior of the abdomen at brief intervals. This, and the other 

 signs appreciable at this time, leaves no doubt as to the existence of 

 pregnancy. The foetal movements are never more marked and pre- 

 cipitous than immediately before abortion, at a late period of gestation; 

 they are then energetic, and to all appearance convulsive. 



With the smaller animals the same methods of exploration may be 

 resorted to, and with the same, or even more marked results. The 

 perceptible movements of the foetus of course settle the question as to 

 pregnancy and the vitality of the young creature ; but their absence is not 

 conclusive as to the contrary, for it has not infrequently happened that 

 the foetus remained insensible to this kind of excitation, and yet was 

 alive at birth. The tests should be applied more than once in these 

 doubtful cases. 



It maybe noted that the "feel" of the abdomen distended by the 



