THE MORE COMMON AILMENTS OF CATTLE 447 



from drinking cold water or eating frosted roots. The 

 first of these causes is the most common of those as- 

 signed. While such debility arises from various causes, 

 more frequently it is the outcome of innutritions feed- 

 ing, injured by the weather or insufficient in quantity. 

 In such instances the immediate cause of retention i.s 

 the imperfect power of contraction in the womb result- 

 ing from the enfeebled condition of the animal. 



The indications of retained afterbirth are usually 

 apparent. More commonly the membranes hang from 

 the vulva and decompose gradually. The odor result- 

 ing is very ofifensive. When retained within the womb 

 through early closure of the neck of the same, or after 

 the protruding parts have fallen away, it decomposes 

 slowly and is discharged from time to time as a yellow 

 or reddish fluid. The discharge is most in evidence when 

 the cow is lying down or when she endeavors to pass 

 urine. The parts about the tail and vulva are soiled by 

 the fluid, which has a most ofifensive odor. 



The results from such retention of the afterbirth 

 are harmful to the health of the cow. The matters thus 

 retained in the womb cause less or more inflammation 

 to its lining membrane, and the products of putrefaction 

 are to some extent absorbed into the blood. The gen- 

 eral health of the cow is thus affected. She loses flesh 

 and appears unthrifty and the milk flow is materially 

 lessened. 



From what has been said as to the causes which 

 lead to retention of the afterbirth it will be apparent that, 

 in many instances, it may be prevented. Whatever tends 

 to keep the cow in a good condition will also tend to 

 prevent the retention of the placenta. The instances in 

 which it results from abortion may not be preventable, 

 but when it is the outcome of improper food, prevention 

 is certainly in the hands of the owner. 



The treatment is mechanical and medicinal. In 

 some instances attaching a weight of i to 2 pounds to 



