40 VETERINARY OBSTETRICS. 



In the Cow, there are two distinct umbilical veins, 

 and these only unite after they enter the abdomen of 

 the fcetus. 



While these structures are being developed in the: 

 uterus of the parent, certain changes are visible 

 externally, by which we are enabled to say whether the 

 animal is pregnant or not. 



Symptoms of Pregnancy and Parturition. 



The first, in the Mare and Cow, is the absence of" 

 the period of oestrum. This rule, however, has several 

 exceptions, as it often happens that this period may be 

 absent, or present unnoticed, and still the animal 

 remain non-pregnant. On the other hand, the animal 

 may show all the symptoms, except the menstrual 

 discharge from the vulva, and may at this season allow 

 copulation with the male, while being in a pregnant 

 condition, and may be again impregnated. 



The Mare soon becomes altered in general tem- 

 perament and behaviour. If used for harness purposes,., 

 she becomes dull, lazy, and somewhat difficult to drive,, 

 and for the first three months after impregnation has a 

 tendency to put on condition. The abdomen becomes, 

 pendulous, a well marked hollow being seen at ther. 

 flank. 



In the Mare, the mammae often secrete a white,, 

 thin fluid, for a few days, about nine months after 

 impregnation ; afterwards, this secretion stops, the 

 gland resumes its normal condition, but may again fill^ 

 and secrete this fluid, at varying intervals throughout 

 pregnancy. 



