562 OBSTETRICAL OPERATIOXH. 



it can maintain an independent existence apart from the parent, this 

 constitutes abortion. In the Mare this would be the case if the accident 

 occurred before the 300th day of pregnancy ; in the Cow before the 

 200th day ; in the Sheep before the 130th day ; in the Sow before 

 the 109th day ; and in the Bitch before the 50th day. So it is estimated 

 that the foetus would be viable, and yet notably less in size and weight 

 than when born at full term, if removed from the Mare 20 to 40 days 

 before that period ; from the Cow 15 to 30 days ; and from the Bitch 

 10 to 15 days. 



Opekation. — The operator has merely to induce labour, Nature carry- 

 ing on and finishing parturition in the usual manner ; so that he has 

 only to dilate the os uteri somewhat to effect this ; then the "water- 

 bag " is extruded, the uterus commences to contract, the animal also 

 begins to strain, dilatation of the os is completed, and the foetus is 

 expelled. 



The different ways in which the os may be dilated have been already 

 described in treating of sterility, and rigidity of spasm of the cervix ; 

 but it may be remarked that, in the case of the larger animals, and 

 especially if near the end of pregnancy, the hand alone may be used to 

 open the os, slightly detach the chorion from the uterus around that 

 canal, and even perforate that membrane a little to hasten the forma- 

 tion of the " water-bag. "1 



In the smaller animals the sponge tent, a long probe, or uterine 

 douches, will suffice. 



CHAPTEE X. 



Supplementary Observations regarding Mother and Progeny. 



The condition of the mother after obstetrical manipulations and opera- 

 tions generally demands attention — all the more if these have been 

 severe and protracted. In trifling cases, it is true, no care beyond that 

 usually given after normal parturition is required; for as soon as 

 delivery is completed, she w'ill seek her offspring — if it be alive — and 

 manifest her interest in it, though she may have suffered considerably 

 before it was born. But in the great majority of difficult cases, such as 

 have been described in the preceding chapters, the animal is much pros- 

 trated from prolonged suffering and straining — so much so, indeed, as 

 to lie extended in a comatose condition, or apparently dead, from 

 nervous exhaustion. Though the Mare can endure very much suffering 

 during parturition, yet this state of collapse is not infrequently observed. 

 So stout-hearted is this animal, that when she has rallied from the 

 effects of parturition and evinced maternal solicitude for the Foal, she 

 begins to eat and drink ; when she does not do so, it may be regarded 

 as a very grave sign. 



To render the mother comfortable and restore her strength should be 



' Andre (Annales de Medecine Veterinaire, 1877, p. 156) was called to see a Mare, 

 eleven months pregnant and verj' heavj-, which could not be got up, and had been lying 

 so long that her sides were contused. He had her placed on an inclined plane, with the 

 front of the body higher than the hind-quarters. Then by means of a finger, and after- 

 wards by the whole hand, he succeeded in dilating the os, and soon a large living Foal 

 was born. The Mare was kept quiet and nursed for two hours afterwards, when she 

 got up without difficulty and suckled the Foal, which was well and lively. 



