PHYSIOLOGY. 41 



About five to six months in the Cow, and seven to 

 eight in the Mare, the foetus can be felt in the 

 uterus, and positive evidence thus estabhshed. This 

 can best be done by ballottement, i. e., by pressing 

 against the abdomen several times with the closed fist, 

 so as to produce a swinging movement, when the foetus 

 can be felt falling against the hand. 



In the Cow, this method should be practised on 

 the right side, as the large cavity of the stomach 

 interferes with it on the left. 



In the Mare, percussion may be performed on 

 either side, but the left is perhaps preferable. Another 

 method adopted is to give the parent a drink of cold 

 water, if possible, on an empty stomach. This often 

 causes a movement of the foetus in the uterus, which 

 can be seen through the wall of the abdomen, by 

 looking at the right flank of the Cow, and the left 

 of the Mare. 



An examination per rectum or vagina may be 

 resorted to, to confirm the diagnosis. There is no 

 objection to the examination per rectum, if it is. 

 imperative that the condition should be known, but ani> 

 examination per vagina^ besides considerably irritating; 

 the parent, in some cases will lead to abortion. 



The method by auscultation is not satisfactory im 

 our larger subjects. 



About the eighth month in the pregnant Cow, and 

 about the tenth in the Mare, the external positive 

 symptoms commence. 



The mucous membrane of the vulva becomes, 

 congested ; the mammary glands become enlarged, the 



