PARTURIENT PARESIS 361 



alysis of the orbicularis muscle (lagophthalmos). When the 

 optic nerve is paralyzed, which also occurs, the animal is 

 totally blind. 



In very serious cases paralysis of the trigeminus also sets 

 in. The inferior maxilla hangs down, the tongue may also 

 hang from the mouth ; since the saliva cannot be swallowed, it 

 flows continuously from the mouth. 



3. Disturhed sensibility. Sensibility has materially de- 

 creased. In serious cases the animals do not react to irritants, 

 even needle pricks upon the legs or back. The cornea may be 

 so insensitive that the animal does not react when touched with 

 the tip of the finger. It may even appear wrinkled. 



The temperature of the body is normal. Rectal tempera- 

 ture is usually below normal, since the paralysis of the 

 sphincter makes a correct measurement impossible. 



Under the influence of the outer air an apparently very 

 low temperature maybe present; but when the thermometer 

 is introduced sufficiently deep, normal temperature is observed 

 (Thomassen, Kruy t, and others). The temperature is unequally 

 distributed. Ears and horns, muffle and extremities are 

 usually icy cold. 



As the disease advances the cow becomes utterly paralyzed 

 and insensible. She lies on her side, moaning loudly; lacteal 

 secretion is suspended. Parturient paresis may be complicated 

 with prolapsus uteri. This is occasionally seen in cows taken 

 sick immediately after parturition, lying low with the hind 

 quarters. 



COURSE AND DURATION OF THE DISEASE. 



These cases terminate fatally in six hours after the first 

 symptoms become apparent. As a rule it takes longer (twelve 

 to eighteen hours). During this time the symptoms may 

 increase in intensity until death sets in, or improvement may 

 take place at any time. 



It is a peculiar fact, that in some cows seriously ill, 

 improvement sets in suddenly; remarkable instances are 

 known. 



