56 VETERINARY OBSTETRICS. 



Symptoms of rupture of this organ may not be well 

 defined. If due to external violence, the signs may be 

 apparent. After straining ceases, the animal may exhibit 

 all the symptoms of acute abdominal pain : inappetence, 

 suspension of rumination, quickened pulse, short,, 

 hurried breathing, looking round to the flanks, etc. 

 The presence of fluid may be detected in the lower 

 third of the abdomen. Exploration per vagina may- 

 reveal an empty womb, and perhaps the discovery of 

 the rupture itself. 



Treatment can not be said to be very satisfactory. 

 If the uterus has been everted, the wound can be- 

 closed by sutures, the parts made thoroughly aseptic,, 

 and the organ carefully returned to its cavity. Should^ 

 the foetus be alive, and the period of parturition close 

 at hand, it may, under certain conditions of the parent,. 

 be advisable to destroy her, and endeavor to save the: 

 young one. Or, on the other hand, a surgical operation 

 might be performed for the extraction of the deadi 

 foetus, with the chance of saving the life of the mother^ 

 Should peritonitis threaten, treatment for that 

 condition would necessarily follow. 



In favorable cases in the smaller animals, the 

 Caesarian section might be practiced with considerable: 

 success. 



Abortion. 



Premature Expulsion of the Faeius. 



There are two varieties of this condition, viz.r 

 Sporadic ; and Epizootic, Enzootic, or Infectious. 



