QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS 287 



The prolapsed organ should be carefully cleansed and disinfected. 

 Make an incision into the uterus to determine whether any viscera 

 extend into the cavity. Tightly apply an elastic ligature around 

 the entire organ near the external os. Completely sever the organ 

 by excising it about three inches from the ligature. Replace the 

 stump of the organ and irrigate the vagina daily for five to ten 

 days, when the necrotic stump should come away. To avoid any 

 danger of the ligature slipping, it is safer to suture the uterus in 

 such a way that the circulation is cut off from the stump. The 

 latter is a more surgical procedure. 



State the difference between parturient eclampsia and parturient 

 paresis. 



These two diseases usually occur soon after parturition, although 

 they have been observed at, and shortly before, this act. The prin- 

 cipal distinction made is the occurrence of tonic and clonic spasms 

 (especially of the diaphragm) in parturient eclampsia, and of a 

 comatose condition in parturient paresis. The former disease is seen 

 most frequently in mares and the latter in cows. It may be noted 

 that tonic and clonic spasms are sometimes seen in the early stages 

 of parturient paresis, but they soon pass away, to be followed by 

 coma. 



Give the Schmidt treatment of parturient apoplexy. 



The treatment, as originally introduced by Schmidt in 1897, 

 consisted of the introduction into the udder of a solution of potas- 

 sium iodide, mixed with atmospheric air. Later investigators found 

 that the injection of air alone sufficed to bring about the same result. 



Observing the rules of asepsis, firmly distend the udder by inflat- 

 ing it with air forced in by a suitable instrument. The air should 

 be filtered through sterile cotton or forced through an antiseptic 

 solution to rid it of any impurities. As a rule, a few hours after this 

 treatment the cow regains her feet and appears perfectly normal. 

 If this does not occur after an interval of three to six hours, inflate 

 the gland again. Some practitioners ligate the teat after inflation, 

 but this is seldom necessary, as the sphincter of the teat will prevent 

 the air from escaping. 



Give the causes and treatment of puerperal eclampsia in the mare. 



The cause of this disease is not known. It is seen following the 

 act of parturition with no premonitory symptoms. Williams men- 

 tions the frequent occurrence of the disease in mares which have 

 been suddenly taken from pasture to stable or put in harness, thus 



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