328 PAETUKITIOX AND DISEASES INCIDENTAL. 



Eorce, when used, should be exerted gradually, in order that the 

 soft parts are not injured or torn. 



It is always proper to thoroughly wash the hand and arm 

 before inserting it in the vagina, also using vaseline or carbolized 

 sweet oil to lubricate the passage and prevent abrasion of its. 

 mucous lining. Assistance should only be offered when it be-- 

 comes apparent that the ewe is unable to lamb without it; even 

 where labor has been protracted, if the presentation is right, and 

 the ewe still possesses good strength, it is better to let nature 

 take its course than to try to hurry matters along. 



Conditions liable to occur incidental to parturition are as 

 follows: Eetention of the foetal membranes. These should be 

 expelled from the uterus shortly after the lamb has been born, 

 "Where they are retained for over twenty-four hours their pres-- 

 ence is very liable to cause septic poisoning. Take the project- 

 ing portions, twist them round a stick, and pull gently and stead- 

 ily. ' This is generally all that will be required. After removal, 

 give the ewe four ounces of Epsom salts, or better still. 



Take. Epsom salts 2 ounces 



Carbonate of ammonia 20 grains 



Nitrate of potash 1 drachm 



Ginger, powdered 1 drachm 



Dissolve in eight ounces of water, and give as a drench. 



This is a very useful prestription to give ewes a week before 

 lambing is due. It assists in preparing the subject for the su- 

 preme act in nature and prevents, to a great extent, such condi- 

 tions as are apt to follow parturition in well-bred pampered ani- 

 mals. 



Bleeding, flooding, po9t-panetn Bemorrhagc. ■ 

 May occur as a result of the retention of the foetal membranes, or 

 from their being too suddenly severed from their attachments, or 

 . from exhaustion following protracted labor, which interferes with 

 the natural contractions of the womb. 



