64 BOVINE OBSTETRICS 



beginning of parturition is characterized by certain prodromes 

 pertaining to the preliminary stage. 



1. Falling in of the Pelvic Ligaments. — By placing the hand 

 laterally to the tail upon the posterior border of the sacro- 

 ischiatic ligaments, we notice that they become indistinct, or, as 

 it is termed, they have fallen in. 



The relaxation of these is not exclusively the result of 

 infiltration, but also depends on mechanical causes (Berdez, 

 Schweiz. Arcliiv., 1882, p. 188). The relaxation, according to 

 Berdez, follows the approach of the ischial tuberosities and 

 the roof of the pelvic cavity, the latter due to a rocking move- 

 ment of the pelvis. As soon as the contractions of the uterus 

 relieve the severe tension of the abdominal parietes, the pelvis 

 rises posteriorly. The antagonists of the rectus abdominis 

 allow the pelvis to drop a little anteriorly, thus bringing the 

 ischial tuberosities closer toward the sacrum, and the ligaments 

 relax. This explains also why the pelvic ligaments may sink 

 in decidedly within a few hours. 



The position of the pelvis shortly before birth is obliquely 

 downward 'and forward. As a consequence, the gradual slope 

 of the floor of the pelvis toward the lower abdominal region 

 assists the act of parturition (Berdez). 



Some cows, as the result of a previous dystokia, when old, 

 tuberculous and cachectic, have relaxed ligaments ; in them 

 this symptom is of no value during approaching labor. 



2. Swelling of the Udder. — The sudden filling with milk is a 

 phenomenon heralding the end of gestation. Already since 

 the beginning of the last mouth the udder gradually increases ; 

 at the end of the period of pregnancy it remains stationary for 

 some days, when now suddenly the udder swells considerably 

 and the early birth of a calf may be expected. 



In some cows the swelling of the udder becomes so enor- 

 mous as to worry the owner. The tumefaction may extend 

 posteriorly up to the vulva and anteriorly to the sternum. 

 The udder may be strutting with milk to such an extent that 

 the owner empties it. This procedure is not objectionable 

 from a hygienic standpoint ; in fact, it is to be recommended 



