192 BOVINE OBSTETRICS 



one calf is born alive while the other is emphysematous 

 (Albrecht). 



As a rule, decomposition sets in eighteen to thirty-six 

 hours after death of the foetus ; but, before it becomes com- 

 pletely emphysematous and enormously distended, before the 

 hairs fall out and claws drop off, forty-eight hours or more 

 may pass. 



Course and Prognosis. — XJuless professional aid is rendered, 

 the termination is fatal. The cow dies within a few days with 

 septicaemia, unless the course of the trouble is hastened by 

 rupture of the uterus and septic peritonitis. Even with proper 

 treatment, a guarded prognosis must be given, as we cannot 

 predict the effects of toxins already taken into the circulation. 

 Besides, a septic metritis foUowiug retention of the afterbirth 

 may terminate fatally. The prognosis in general should be 

 " doubtful." 



THE OPERATOE'S PROPHYLAXIS. 



When delivering an emphysematous foetus, it is essential 

 to consider even very small wounds of the hands and arms. 

 Especially abrasions and wounds about the finger-nails are 

 often overlooked and serve as an entrance to infection. Small 

 wounds and abrasions should be covered with iodoform- 

 collodium or coUodium elasticum, or painted with tincture of 

 iodine ; the iodine remains as a protective antiseptic cover 

 after evaporation of the alcohoL While at work, a pail with a 

 2 per cent, creolin solution should be kept at hand, to wash 

 hands and arms now and then. The oiling of the arms and 

 hands with creolin oil (1 part creolin to 20 parts of oil) must 

 be done with great care. The obstetrician must never neglect 

 this preparatory treatment. Experience teaches that by deliv- 

 ering such cases local infections occur, which endanger the life 

 of the surgeon unless attended to. 



Treatment. — When possible, total extraction should be 

 attempted. Although the changes render the calf very pliable, 

 extraction rarely succeeds, as the parts usually separate 

 wherever they are corded. We start by oiling the genital 



