330 BOVINE OBSTETEICS 



While exploriHg, one may attempt to pull slightly on the 

 secundines. For this purpose a part is seized with the whole 

 hand and gentle traction exerted on them. In some cases this 

 is successful ; should it fail, it is indicated to induce uterine 

 contractions. This may be tried variously: in the first place, 

 by subcutaneous injection of extractum secalis. I have 

 frequently seen good results from an injection of 6 g. extractum 

 secalis cornuti, dissolved in 8 g. glycerine and 12 to 20 g. of 

 water. This mixture is injected below the skin in one dose. 

 Ill about four to six hours uterine contractions set in and the 

 secundines are expelled unless other causes retain them. 

 Contractions of the uterus may also be produced reflexly by 

 friction of the abdominal parietes. 



For this purpose the abdominal walls on either side are 

 dressed with stimulating agents (ammonia, ol. terebinth and 

 spirit of camphor ana. 60), followed by friction with straw 

 wisps. 



Irrigations with cold water are especially indicated to pro- 

 duce uterine contractions. When all other means fail, it may 

 be tried. 



When the cause of retention is a too firm union between 

 the maternal and foetal placentae, the means just mentioned are 

 of no avail, and separation must be practiced in some other 

 way. Should the examination reveal the cotyledons to be 

 within reach of the hand, they are to be separated with the fingers. 

 This is done as follows : Hand and arm of the operator are closely 

 examined (eventual small wounds covered with elastic collo- 

 dium), and then oiled M'ith creolin oil (1 creolin to 10 to 20 of 

 oil). In between times an assistant washes the vulva, tail and 

 thighs. While the tail is held to the right the operator passes 

 the right hand into the vagina through the cervix in-to the 

 uterus. The left hand grasps the secundines unless already 

 hanging from the vulva. The right hand follows the secun- 

 dines into the impregnated horn. After its condition has 

 been ascertained he begins to separate the foetal placentte lying 

 close to the internal os uteri. For this purpose he places the 

 cotyledons between thumb and index finger, stripping the foetal 



