324 PARTURITION AND DISEASES INCIDENTAL. 



large, obliterating the os entirely, making tlie vagina and uterus 

 one large distended cavity. When this stage is reached delivery 

 takes place very rapidly. 



Sheep frequently bring forth twins, and these may be born 

 one directly after the other, or, after the birth of one lamb, a 

 period sometimes of two or three days may elapse before the de- 

 livery of the other takes place. 



Ewes, during the period of gestation, should be kept quiet 

 and free from such disturbances as would be liable to result in 

 premature delivery. Chasing of pregnant ewes by dogs, sudden 

 changes in diet, improper hygienic surroundings, are all liable to 

 result in abortion, and endanger the lives of the ewes themselves. 



The act of parturition is liable to be prolonged, owing to a 

 number of causes which may arise, many of which are of such a 

 serious nature as to result in the death of the ewe. As causes re- 

 sulting in protracted labor we find: (1) Exhaiistion from gen- 

 eral debility. (2) Cold weather at time delivery is due. (3) 

 Premature rupture of the envelopes (water-bag), permitting the 

 escape of the liquor amnii (water); the uterus then becomes ex- 

 hausted from contracting on the foetus, the neck of the womb 

 not being dilated. (4) Obstructions in the genital passages, 

 such as tumors in the neck of the womb or vagina. (5) Eigidity 

 of the neck of the womb, frequently due to some injury inflicted 

 in a previous delivery. (6) A complete obliteration of the os, 

 which condition, however, is rare. (7) Torsion of the ul:erus, 

 in which event the womb has become twisted on its neck — a con- 

 dition caused by violent motions on the part of a pregnant sub- 

 ject, and which has to be rectified before delivery can take place. 



The first set of causes, such as exhaustion from general 

 debility, expostire, etc., are due wholly to mismanagement on the 

 part of the flock-owner, and are not to, be overcome at the last 

 moment, but should be guarded against and prevented by proper 



