502 MANUAL OF MODERN FARRIERY 



as the sixth week, but in cows it is more frequently 

 the sixth or sev^enth month. 



The causes giving rise to abortion may be ranked 

 under two heads : first, Accidental or Non-Contagious \ 

 and, second, Contagious. 



Under the head of accidental causes, may be 

 enumerated (i) exposure to cold and wet, (2) fright, 

 (3) over-exertion, (4) injuries of various kinds and 

 particularly over the region of the abdomen, (5) food 

 indigestible, ergotised grasses, frozen turnips, cabbages, 

 grasses, etc., (6) water impure, or at a low tempera- 

 ture, (7) bad smells, e.g., cows hanging their placental 

 membranes, or after-birth, etc., etc. 



As a rule the cases of abortion due to accidental 

 causes are not numerous even in large herds and flocks, 

 but when abortion is due to contagion, or the entrance 

 of micro-organisms (via the vagina), betwixt the 

 placental membranes and the womb, then the cases 

 in general are numerous and prone to become con- 

 tinuous. 



SvMPTOMS. — The symptoms of abortion depend 

 upon the stage of development of the young at the 

 time of its expulsion from the womb. If prior to the 

 fourth month, no premonitory symptoms may be 

 exhibited. The embryo lamb or calf may be found in 

 the field and close examination required to single out 

 the unfortunate mother. If after the fourth month, 

 the cow about to abort, generally has a bloody dis- 

 charge coming from the vulva, the ligaments of the 

 pelvis relaxed, and the udder more or less congested. 

 Shifting of the feet, arching of the back, and straining, 

 are also symptoms. 



Remedies. — If the animal about to abort Is 

 detected, early abortion in some cases may be 

 prevented. In all cases It is of the utmost importance 



