158 DISEA8ES OF CATTLE. 



organs should produce protrusion or abortion. She should be kept 

 aloof from all causes of acute diseases, and all existing diseases should 

 be remedied speedily and with as little excitement of the abdominal 

 organs as possible. Strong purgatives and diuretics are to be espe- 

 cially avoided, unless it be in the very last days of gestation in very 

 plethoric cows. 



Finally, in the case of pure breeds, close association with animals 

 of other breeds or crosses, or with animals of other colors, forms, or 

 with defects, is to be carefully guarded against. The effects shown 

 in the progeny may be exceptional, yet they are none the less sources 

 of preventable loss. 



PROTRUSION OF THE VAGINA (PROLAPSUS VAGINJ3). 



This is common during pregnancy from chronic relaxation of the 

 vaginal walls and from lying in stalls that are lower behind than in 

 front. The protrusion is of a rounded form and smooth, and if it 

 embraces both sides of the canal it is double, with a passage between. 

 It may sometimes be remedied by raising the hind part of the stall 

 higher than the front part. This failing, a truss may be applied as for 

 eversion of the womb, and worn until the period of calving approaches. 

 (Pis. XXII, XXIII.) 



HERNIA (BREACH) OF THE UTERUS. 



This occurs usually in advanced pregnancy from a gradual relaxa- 

 tion and distention of the lower wall of the abdomen in the region of 

 the udder, so that the latter is displaced downward, and in the sac 

 above and in front of it may be felt the form and movements of the 

 fetus. In other cases the womb escapes through a great laceration of 

 the abdominal muscles to one side of the udder, and the hernial mass 

 extends down to one side of that organ. However unsightly, this 

 often allows the animal to complete its pregnancy naturally, and a 

 broad supporting bandage placed around the abdomen is about all 

 that can be recommended. After calving it is best to fatten the cow. 



CRAMPS OF THE HIND LIMBS. 



The compression by the womb and fetus of the nerves passing 

 through the pelvis sometimes causes cramp and inability to move the 

 limb, but it disappears under friction and motion and is never seen 

 after calving. 



DROPSY OF THE HIND LIMBS AND BETWEEN THE THIGHS. 



In the latter months of pregnancy the hind legs may swell beneath 

 the hocks, or a soft swelling which pits on pressure with the finger 

 appears from the vulva down between the thighs to the udder and in 

 front. It is mainly due to the pressure of the enlarged womb on the 

 blood vessels, is not dangerous, and disappears after calving. 



