EXTRAUTEIUXK PREGNANCY. 177 



Diagnosis and Treatment. 



There is absolutely nothing in the early, or even in the later stages of 

 extra-uterine pregnancy — especially ovarian and tubal — to indicate the 

 existence of any deviation from normal gestation : and when at length 

 the animal exhibits indications of approaching parturition, there may 

 be grave doubts as to the actual state of affairs, though the absence of 

 certain signs may give rise to suspicion. The animal is uneasy and 

 strains, yet the vulva is not enlarged, and the How of mucus observed 

 in the preliminary stage of ordinary parturition is not apparent. 

 Exploration of the cervix uteri by the vagina, will prove the absence of 

 induration or morbid tumefaction, as well as dilatation or contraction 

 of the OS, notwithstanding tlic length of time that has elapsed and the 

 expulsive efforts. Palpation and inspection of the abdomen may also 

 furnish certain information with regard to volume, and the situation of 

 the enlargement. Careful exploration of the abdominal cavity by the 

 rectum will be found advantageous in cases of abdominal gestation un- 

 complicated with uterine pregnancy. Not only can the condition of the 

 uterus be satisfactorily determined, but perhaps a tumour independent 

 of that organ may be discovered, in which a fa^tus, or parts of one, 

 can be felt. In such a case, efforts must be made to check the attempts 

 at parturition, though it must be confessed that they are not likely to 

 be successful. Sedatives, large doses of opium, chloral, hot water 

 applications to the abdomen, and other measures of this kind, are 

 indicated. If the diagnosis is well established, and the animal can be 

 utilized for food, it is generally better to have it destroyed if in fair 

 condition. In cases in which the period of parturition has passed, and 

 when the animal has been unwell for some time, exliibiting loss of 

 appetite, with marked depression, quickened pulse and increased tem- 

 perature, and nothing else to account for these symptoms, then we may 

 suspect the existence of extra-uterine gestation and putrefaction of the 

 fcetus. 



In the smaller animals — such as the Sheep, Goat, Bitch, etc., 

 abdominal palpation can be readily resorted to, and often with most 

 satisfactory results. 



When elimination of the fcrtus has commenced in any of the modes 

 just described, active interference may or may not be necessary, accord- 

 ing to circumstances. The fistulous openings which may be occasioned 

 by the eliminative process, must be dealt with as ordinary listuUc. 

 Should the foetus chance to be alive, it is scarcely possible that it can 

 be removed by operation without greatly endangering the life of the 

 mother. If in abdominal gestation a tumour, simulating an abscess, 

 fonns on any part of the abdomen, this may be carefully opened, and 

 the fcetus extracted with a successful result. The accessory treat- 

 ment, sucli as careful nursing and hygienic measures, must not be 

 neglected. 



In vaginal pregnancy, there is of course an absence of the usual signs 

 of abdominal gestation, unless this is going on concurrently. The 

 animal shows symptoms which should lead to exploration of the vagina, 

 when the fcetal tumour will be encountered ; this will probably be 

 attached to the floor of the passage, from which it can easily be 

 removed. 



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