COURSE OF ^OltMAL BIRTH G7 



In order to have birth take a regular course, it is of import- 

 ance that this bladder should not rupture within the genital 

 passage. When the water-bag reaches the vulva, it appears as a 

 bright glistening tumor of more or less bluish tinge, separating 

 the vaginal lips. In the further course this bladder appears 

 beyond the vulva as large as a head, and often bursts as the 

 cow rises. 



STAGE OP EXPULSION. 



At the moment when the water-bag ruptures, be it the 

 result of violent pains or manual interference, a part of the 

 allantoic fluid escapes. This is called the rupturing of the 

 water-bag. The uterine muscle acts directly upon the foetus as 

 soon as the allantoic fluid enters the pelvic canal, especially 

 after this fluid escapes. The uterine contractions change the 

 position of the calf. The intrauterine costal presentation is 

 changed into an abdominal one, the head and forelegs becoming 

 extended at the same time. The contractions introduce the 

 young animal into the pelvic canal with its head lying upon the 

 anterior limbs. As an immediate consequence of the rupture 

 of the allantoic bladder, rotation of the foetus about its long 

 axis takes place. 



The amnion is pushed forward in the shape of a bladder. 

 The allantoic bladder has already prepared the passage for 

 this bladder, within which the foetus and forelegs rest. A few 

 strong pains, assisted by abdominal pressure, and the amniotic 

 bladder plus foetus are forced into the vagina. As soon as this 

 bladder manifests itself between the lips of the vagina, it likens 

 the allantoic bladder exactly. Its color is whitish, glistening. 

 The claws are visible through the thin, transparent amnion. 

 Strong throes advance the calf further and further ; the amni- 

 otic bladder bursts, followed by an escape of viscid, slimy, 

 opalescent amniotic fluid. The nature of the escaping liquor 

 permits us to recognize whether the amniotic or allantoic 

 bladder has ruptured. As soon as the amniotic bladder bursts, 

 violent throes drive the foetus, lying on its abdomen, through 

 the pelvic canal. 



