176 BOVINE OBSTErKICS 



otherwise seen only at parturition, and interpreted by the 

 attendant as belonging to approaching birth. The pains have 

 lasted for one or two days, appetite is diminished, rumination 

 ceased, but straining persists. 



Examination finds the cow in the above mentioned state ; 

 the ligaments are not depressed, the udder empty, the cervix 

 closed, the calf is alive and the cow continuously strains — so 

 much so, that the rectum may prolapse ; the temperature is 

 normal or slightly elevated, the pulse increased in frequency. 

 Under these circumstances one deals with false pains in no way 

 connected with parturition. The supposedly insufficient dila- 

 tation and difficult parturition from it causes the owner great 

 anxiety. Most owners, in spite of all explanations, believe 

 firmly that these pains should be followed by parturition. 



Some years ago I was called to a breeder, whose cow had 

 been in pains the whole day, although she was not due to calf 

 until three weeks later. On my arrival I found the above 

 mentioued symptoms ; the calf was living. This man was 

 utterly astonished when I assured him positively that parturi- 

 tion was entirely out of the question here, while he was pre- 

 pared for the worst. Since I had done his work successfully 

 for years, he complied with my request, although reluctantly. 

 The cow was rubbed well, covered up nicely, and received 

 chloral hydrate per os. Straining ceased after a few hours, 

 and twelve hours later the cow was well. Three weeks after 

 this she gave birth to a living calf without assistance. 



Prognosis may be quite favorable, although there is danger 

 of rupture of the uterus. It is therefore well to be guarded 

 when making a prognosis when the auimal is far advanced in 

 pregnancy, as serious compile, itions may arise. 



Tlierapeutics. — Elevation of the hind parts of such an 

 animal is very desirable ; in many cases this is followed by 

 improvement. The administration of chloral hydrate either 

 per rectum or per os is followed by very good results ; large 

 doses of bromide of potassium, bromide of ammonia, bromide 

 of sodium, can be recommended. Some recommend opium 

 preparations. But the stage of excitement, preceding depres- 



