190 BOVINE OBSTETRICS 



interfered with by a malposition of the calf, insufficient dila- 

 tation of the cervix uteri, or by a foetus absolutely or relatively 

 too large. 



After the calf dies and air enters freely, putrefaction soon 

 sets in, as the development of putrefactive bacteria is favored 

 by the body temperature. The foetus becomes an incubator 

 of low organisms. 



As a result of the putrefactive gases, blisters form all over 

 the skin. Here and there blisters from dollar to fist size form, 

 become confluent and distend the skin over a large area. 

 In the intermuscular tissues blisters also form. The blood 

 decomposes most rapidly. Since the tissues are saturated 

 with plasma, stained with the coloring matter of the red blood 

 cells, the muscles and glandular organs show a dirty red color. 

 The liver, being full of blood, quickly decomposes. It has a 

 mottled and pasty appearance. The latter is caused by the 

 blisters formed underneath the serosa. In consequence of the 

 decomposition and chemical changes of the constituents of the 

 tissues, sulphuretted hydrogen, various carbonated hydrogen 

 gases, ammonium and butyric acid forms. The sweet and fetid 

 air coming from such a foetus is especially noticeable on 

 exploration. 



Symptoms. — The death of the foetus is characterized by 

 phenomena occasionally overlooked by the owner. The symp- 

 toms indicating birth of the emphysematous foetus are suffi- 

 ciently plain to be appreciated by him. 



Putrefaction of the foetus toward the end of pregnancy — 

 that is, at a time when natural birth should occur — is of great 

 importance to obstetrics, as parturition is impossible on account 

 of the excessive dimensions of the calf. When we are called 

 to treat such cases, the owner often imagines indigestion pre- 

 sent rather than approaching birth. The cow eats but little, 

 defsecation is hard and retarded, rumination has ceased and 

 some tympanitis is noticeable. Examination reveals that the 

 cow is in a state where birth may take place. There is com- 

 plete, or partial, depression of the broad ligaments, the udder 

 is filled, the left as well as the right side of the belly is dis- 



