142 THE VETERINARY DOCTOR. 
After the action of these two remedies mercurius will usually complete 
y p 
the cure. After pus has begun to discharge, a wash of permanganate of 
potassa may be injected into the urethra, Mix a half-drachm of perman- 
ganate of potassa in a pint of rain or distilled water, and use once or twice 
day. Keep the parts clean and free from any obstruction. 
ABORTION. 
Abortion is not common among mares. It is caused by over-exertion 
of any kind; strains; blows; falls; very poor and insufficient or very stimu- 
lating food; inflammation of the bowels. It occasionally appears to be 
communicated by sympathy, similarly to an epidemic. 
Symptoms.—The approach is marked by loss of vivacity and appetite; 
hollow flanks; sinking of the abdominal enlargement; gradual lessening or 
entire loss of the foal’s movements; the breathing grows obstructed; yellow- 
ish matter passes from the vagina; straining; expulsion of the foal. 
TREATMENT.—When abortion is threatened from fright, strain or 
other cause, opium should be given, and the animal be kept at complete 
rest. This may be followed by viburnum, prunifolium, caulophyllum, or 
cimicifuga, in teaspoonful deses of the tincture every half-hour, hour, or 
‘two hours, until all danger is passed. When abortion has taken place and 
there is great feebleness, with a copious flow of blood and violent straining, 
ergot should be given. Cinchona is good {for restoring the strength after 
an abortion. Sabina is needed in case of a discharge of bright-colored or 
coagulated blood before or during the abortion. Tincture of camphor has 
been successful in preventing abortion when the sexual instinct has been 
morbidly susceptible, and when the spasmodic action of the womb has ap- 
peared to be the direct cause. A due regard to suitable diet and pasturage, 
‘proper housing, bedding, ventilation, cleanliness and exercise will go far in 
preventing the misfortune. If an animal has aborted, she should not be 
put to the male until after several seasons of heat. Keep mares that are 
with foal away from slaughter-houses and decomposing animal matter in 
general. Shut away from the smell of the abortion-discharge all animals 
that are pregnant, whether mares or not, as it renders them liable to abortion. 
DIFFICULT FOALING OR PARTURITION, 
The symptoms preceding parturition are quick breathing, swelling 
of the udder, with a sudden gush of milk, dropping of the belly, external 
swelling of the bearing and adjacent parts, with a shiny, glossy-red or yel- 
lowish discharge from the bearing. If these be slow in progress to labor- 
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