THE HORSE—-THE URINARY AND GENERATIVE ORGANS. 148 
pains, and the pains and throes be long and violent, or the throes continue 
after the expulsion of the after-birth, with great discharge of blood, medi- 
cinal treatment is needed. So too, if the labor has been assisted, and if any 
laceration of the parts has taken place, that must be treated. 
TrREATMENT.— When the pains are too light or subside too much by 
spells, give ten drops of pulsatilla every two or three hours. If they are at» 
tended with convulsive movements, give ergot, especially if they cease alto- 
gether before delivery. Nature has made the best provision for this func- 
tion, and the least interference the better, either in medicine or otherwise. 
FLOODING AFTER DELIVERY. 
After parturition flooding may ensue, either from lack of a sufficiently 
rapid contraction of the womb, or ‘from injuries incurred during a delivery, 
especially if it has been difficult, prolonged, or has been assisted by an at- 
tendant. 
TREATMENT.—Put a bandage tightly around the belly; pour cold 
water on the loins and inject it into the vagina and rectum. Use arnica ex- 
ternally; also internally in alternation with ergot or sabina. Quinine will 
assist in recovering strength after the bleeding. Keep the mare quiet, ina 
cool, well-ventilated stable, free from draughts. 
REMOVAL OF THE AFTER-BIRTH. 
If this does not come away immediately after delivery, give a few 
doses of ergot. The introduction of the hand or injection of warm water 
is not advisable, except in extraordinary cases. If the mare continues to 
strain when the after-birth has been removed, give a dose of opium. Asa 
preventive of the retention of the after-birth, animals in poor condition 
should be fed warm, sloppy food for ten days previous to parturition. 
INVERSION OF THE WOMB OR VAGINA. 
If the womb should protrude immediately after the expulsion of the 
foal, gently place it back, temporarily bind the parts, and give five drops of 
arnica every three hours. Keep the animal perfectly quiet and give only 
light and nourishing food for two or three days. The vagina may protrude 
in a similar way, in old mares or in fillies. It may be caused by general 
weakness, or by standing in a stall that is too low behind. Treat as for 
inversion of the womb, keeping the animal’s hind feet higher than usual, and 
building up the system with the best of food. 
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