QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS 267 



What is the influence of the pregnant uterus on the neighboring 



organs? 



The immense volume of the pregnant uterus occasionally disturbs 



the neighboring viscera- as shown by colic, tympanites, constipation, 



oedema, coughing and paraplegia. Pressure on the sciatic nerve is 



shown by cramp of the posterior limbs. 



How is the period of menstruation characterized in (a) the cow, (b) 

 the sow, (c) the bitch, and (d) the cat? 



(a) By nervous excitement, restlessness, bellowing and mounting 

 other animals of its species. There is an increased secretion of 

 mucus from the vulva and, toward the end of the period, blood-clots 

 or a slight blood-stained discharge. The period lasts about 2 days 

 and reappears every 21 days unless impregnation occurs. 



(b) The sow manifests rut by restlessness, rooting, squealing, 

 swelling of the vulva and a sanguinolent discharge therefrom. The 

 appetite is impaired and she seeks the company of the opposite sex. 

 The period lasts from 2 to 5 days and reappears in 15 to 30 days, 

 but usually every month. 



(c) By nervous excitement, restlessness, wandering away from 

 home, seeking males, swelling and turgidity of the vulva, frequent 

 urination and a sanguinolent discharge. The appetite is capricious 

 and thirst is increased. The period lasts from 2 to 3 weeks and 

 appears twice a year (spring and autumn, as a rule). 



(d) By nervous excitement and an over-affectionate disposition. 

 There is an uncontrollable desire to seek the opposite sex. Rest- 

 lessness is a notable feature and the movements of rolling and 

 otherwise betray the prevailing desires. The generative organs are 

 more or less turgid and sensitive and the urogenital secretions are 

 increased. This phenomenon appears 3 to 4 times a year. 



What is an emmenagogue? Name two of the principal emmena- 

 gogues. 



An emmenagogue is any agent which stimulates or favors the 

 menstrual discharge. Ergot and rue are well known emmenagogues. 



Describe the secretions of the foetus. 



Mucus is secreted by the glands of the mouth, oesophagus and 

 stomach. Bile is secreted by the liver, and emptied into the intes- 

 tines where it is mixed with the fluid thrown out by the glands 

 there, forming meconium. Urine is secreted by the kidneys, and 

 the thymus, thyroid, spleen and suprarenal glands are said to be 

 active in fetal life. 



