334 PAKTUKITION AND DISEASES INCIDENTAL. 



Symptoms. 



All the symptoms of parturient fever are present in an ag- 

 gravated form; the bowels at first are generally constipated, but 

 a? the disease progresses they become relaxed, diarrhoea setting 

 in, the discharges being foetid, and in many cases accompanied 

 by or streaked with blood. The udder is very much swollen, and 

 shows symptoms of erysipelas infection. When this occurs the 

 patient rarely, if ever, recovers. The ewe shows signs of abdom- 

 inal pain, and strains frequently, a sanious foetid discharge being 

 ejected from the vagina during these efForts. The disease runs 

 a rapid course, the animal becoming delirious, coma setting in just 

 prior to fatal terminations. 



post-)^5ortcm Hppcaranccs. 



The womb is enlarged and thickened; the mucous mem- 

 brane lining it is of a darkish brown color, darker patches being 

 noticeable in places. In the cavity of the womb, a chocolate- 

 colored fluid is present, in which remnants of the foetal mem- 

 branes are often found; the whole organ presents the appearance 

 of rapid decomposition, and has a very foetid odor. The vagina 

 frequently has ulcerous patches on its mucous surfaces, particu- 

 larly round the vulva and meatus urinarius (opening of the ure- 

 thra into the vagina). The abdominal cavity contains a reddish 

 liquid, the whole peritoneal surface showing signs of intense in- 

 flammation; this is particularly noticeable in that part covering 

 and supporting the womb. The muscular tissues are dark, at 

 times almost black. The udder is sometimes spotted with gang- 

 renous patches, resulting from a previous erysipelatous condition 

 of that organ. Plain signs of general septic infection are also 

 noticeable. 



Creatment. 



Should be on the same lines as that prescribed in "Metritis." 

 A laxative drench is always to be recommended in these cases, 

 especially at the commencement of the trouble. 



