PARTURITION AND DISEASES INCIDENTAL. 325 



care of the ewes from the time of intercourse with the ram till 

 delivery is due to take place. Where labor is prolonged from 

 premature rupture of the water-bag, injections of warm water, 

 or warm infusions of slippery-elm bark will facilitate the de- 

 livery. 



Where obstructions, such as tumors in the genital organs, 

 exist, their removal must take place before parturition can pro- 

 ceed. 



In cases of rigidity of the os, whether due to previous injury 

 or perverted nervous function, applications of warm water 

 douches, or smearing the os with the extract of belladonna will 

 often overcome the difficulty; should this not prove successful, 

 however, it becomes necessary to operate, the proper procedure 

 being as follows : 



Pass the hand in the vagina. This is a matter of some diffi- 

 culty, as the passage is very small as compared with that of the 

 cow or mare, but by diligent manipulation, using vaseline to pro- 

 tect the mucous membranes, it can be accomplished; pass a probe- 

 pointed bistoury into the os, and make three slight incisions, as 



Cbeorctical Drawtng, showing )^etbod of Xncision of Os ateri. 



.^— Outer circumference of os uleri. S— Supposed centre of same. C C C— Incisions 

 starting- from B to circumference ^i. 



shown in illustration. This «ill permit the os to dilate and de- 

 livery to take place. Where ewes have been delivered in this 

 manner they should not be bred from again on account of cica- 

 tricial tissue forming in the os. After the lamb is weaned, the 

 ewe should be fattened for the butcher. 



Where obliteration of the os uteri exists, the above operation 



