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parturition. Abortion may also be followed by fhe same accideuts, as 

 flooding, retention of the i^laceuta, and leucorrboea. 



The most important object in an impending abortion is to recognize 

 it at as early a stage as possible, so that it may, if possible, be cut short 

 and prevented. Any general indefinable illness in a pregnant mare 

 shonld lead to a close examination of the vulva as regards swelling, 

 vascularity of its mucous membrane, and profuse mucous secretion, and 

 above all any streak or staining of blood; also the condition of the nd- 

 der, if that is congested and swollen. Any such indication, with colicky 

 pains, straining, however little, and active movement of the fcetus or 

 entire absence of movement, are suggestive symptoms and should be 

 duly counteracted. 



The changes in the vulva and udder, with a soiled and bloody condi- 

 tion of the tail, may suggest an abortion already accomplished, and the 

 examination with the hand in the vagina may detect the mouth of the 

 womb soft and dilatable, and the interior of the organ slightly filled with 

 a bloody liquid. 



Treatment should be preventive if possible, and would embrace the 

 avoidance of all causes mentioned, and particularly of such as may seem 

 to be particularly operative in the particular case. Where abortions 

 have already occurred in a stud, the especial cause, in the matter of food, 

 water, exposure to injuries, overwork, lack of exercise, etc., may often 

 be identified and removed. A most important point is to avoid all 

 causes of constipation, diarrhea, indigestion, bloating, violent purga- 

 tives, diuretics or other potent medicines, i^ainful operations, and slip- 

 l)ery roads, unless well frosted. 



"When abortion is imminent the mare should bo placed alone in a 

 roomy, dark, quiet stall, and have the straining checked by some sedative. 

 Laudanum is usually at hand and may be given in doses of 1 or 2 ounces, 

 according to size, and repeated after two or three hours, and even daily 

 if necessary. Chloroform or choral hydrate, 3 drams, may be substituted 

 if more convenient. These should be given in a pint or quart of water, 

 to avoid burning the mouth and throat. Or viburnum pruuifolium,! 

 ounce, may be given and repeated if necessary to prevent straining. 



When all measures fail and miscarriage proceeds, all that can be done 

 is to assist in the removal of the foetus and its membranes, as in ordinary 

 parturition. As in the case of retention of the fcetus, it maj' be neces- 

 sary after delivery to emjjloy antiseptic injections into the womb to 

 counteract putrid fermentation. This, however, is less requisite in the 

 mare than in the cow, in which the prevalent contagious abortion must 

 be counteracted by the persistent local use of antiseptics. After abor- 

 tion a careful hygiene is demanded, especially in the matter of pure air 

 and easily digestible food. The mare should not be served again for a 

 month or longer, and in no case until after all discharge from the vulva 

 has ceased. 



