RETEyrioX i>r tIIK /WT.IL H.WHI.nl'KS. [.78 



pleasant-smelling liquid, which is derived from the fu'tal fluids, the 

 blood that has escaped from the umbilical cord, and tlie partly- 

 decomposed envelopes. As its retention is likely to do liarm, par- 

 ticularly if there is any wound or abrasion of the mucous membrane, 

 as nmch as possible of it should be removed by the half-closed hand. 

 It is often advisable to wash out the interior of the organ with tepid 

 water, and to inject a weak solution of cresyl, carbolic acid, chloral, 

 or permanganate of potass. 



When extraction of the envelopes has been effected in good time 

 and with the necessary precautions, the Cow bears the operation very 

 well and does not appear to be much inconvenienced, so that little 

 after-treatment is needed. Gentle walking, if the weather is fme, in 

 order to calm its restlessness and to allay the straining, if it is still 

 present ; keejjing it in a well-lighted and properly ventilated stable, 

 with a blanket over the body if the temperature is low ; a few enemas, 

 if constipation tlireatens ; and a light laxative diet, with bran, oatmeal, 

 or linseed gruel, are usually all that is necessary. 



When the envelopes have putrefied in the uterus, through delay in 

 removing them, and an abundant and fetid discharge flows from the 

 vulva, the animal itself being unwell and feverish, then the case is 

 serious, and requires instant attention. The uterus must be cleared 

 without delay from its putrescent contents, and in order to accomplish 

 this the hand must be passed into the organ, and everything removed 

 which it can possibly seize. Before doing so, however, the hand and 

 arm should be well and frequently smeared with carbolised lard, butter, 

 or oil, to prevent septic infection ; if there are wounds or abrasions 

 upon them, the greatest care should be taken in this respect — indeed, 

 it is questionable whether they should be introduced at all if the skin 

 is not intact. 



When everything has been taken away which the hand can remove, 

 then the interior of the organ should be thoroughly cleansed by the 

 continuous injection of tepid water from a large syringe and tube, until 

 the fluid comes away perfectly clear. 



Very weak solutions of the before-mentioned antiputrescents should 

 also be injected, but they need not be allowed to remain. Should the 

 discharge continue, this treatment may be repeated daily until it ceases ; 

 and tonics, stimulants, and antiputrescents (as sodium sulphite or small 

 doses of carbolic acid) be administered internally. Good food and clean- 

 liness are also essentials in treatment. 



It must be remembered that cleansing and detergent injections are 

 absolutely required when the mucous membrane of the vagina or 

 uterus is inflamed, abraded, or wounded, and has been in contact with 

 putrid membranes or fluids. More particularly are they necessary 

 when this occurs in the Mare — an animal peculiarly liable to septic 

 infection. Indeed, so much is this the case, that it may be laid down 

 as a rule that manual extraction of the membranes is always indicated 

 in the Mare, when they are not expelled immediately after birth. The 

 injection of warm water will materially facilitate the operation. 



With this animal, however, retention of the placenta does not in- 

 variably lead to serious results, as several cases are on record in which 

 it has continued for two days, and even longer. Binz mentions an 

 instance in which the membranes were not thrown off until the ninth 

 day, owing to adhesion of the uterus to a hernial sac. 



The hands and arms of the operator should be thoroughly washed 



