268 XORMAL FARTUPJTIOX. 



parents, a few days after birth. Therefore it is that a meadow is 

 preferable to a stable, as, in addition to the more favom-able natui^e of 

 the food, sufficient exercise is afforded. Indeed, with the Mare light 

 and regular work may be imposed a short time after foaling, and with 

 much benefit to it and the Foal. The latter will follow its dam, pro- 

 vided the pace is not too fast, and a halt be frequently allowed for it 

 to get to the teat. It is astonishing sometimes to observe how well 

 Foals travel soon after birth, even over bad roads and during inclement 

 weather, and for great distances, provided the journey is short each 

 day. Huzard has seen Buffalo Calves, born during the night, follow 

 their mother next day, and make a daily journey of six or eight leagues 

 without appearing fatigued. 



It is not rare to find newly-born animals, particularly when parturi- 

 tion has been laborious, injured more or less, from the manipulation 

 of the obstetrist during birth, the lesions being more or less serious. 

 The most frequent injuries are those due to obstetrical instruments 

 and appliances. The wounds may be dressed with cold water, with 

 slightly alcoholised water, or some dilute tincture — such as that of 

 arnica ; but salts of lead, or other poisonous salts, should not be em- 

 ployed. Abrasions, which are generally superficial, may be treated 

 with glj'cerine and water, to which a very little carbolic acid has been 

 added ; or by lard, or any mucilaginous substance. Sprains should 

 have cold water irrigation if possible, refrigerant lotions, or friction 

 with soap liniment. Wounds and lacerations, if very severe, must have 

 appropriate surgical treatment. 



CHAPTEE IV. 

 Sequelae of Parturition. 



We have stated that gestation and parturition are physiological pro- 

 cesses, and we may now add to these the puerperal state. But though 

 in one respect eminently physiological, the puerperal condition is 

 marked by special features, which distinguish it from other physio- 

 logical states, and which, occurring under other circumstances, would 

 be more allied to pathological changes. We refer now more par- 

 ticularly to the functional and organic alterations which take place 

 after delivery. True, we do not have in animals such important, nor 

 so many, sequelae as are noted in women at this period, some of which 

 are really pathological. Nevertheless, we have certain phenomena 

 occurring during the return of the economy and the generative organs 

 to the condition they wei'e in previous to pregnancy, which are not 

 only very characteristic, but are worthy of serious attention. These 

 phenomena have been divided into functional and organic. 



SECTIOX I.— FUNCTIONAL MODIFICATIONS. 



The functional modifications include the after-pains, lochia, milk- 

 fever, and lactation. 



1. After-pains. — These are the painful sensations in the abdomen, 

 indications of which are frequently observed in animals, and which 

 persist after the expulsion of the foetus and the secundines. They are 

 due to the contractions of the uterus, that go on for some time, and 



