58 VETERINARY OBSTETRICS 



access to the system through the digestive, respiratory, 

 or circulatory channels, or has altogether a local action, 

 has not yet been definitely ascertained, but it is 

 thought probable that it finds its way to the interior 

 of the uterus through the vagina and cervix. 



In 1896, Professor Bang, of Copenhagen, Denmark, 

 succeeded in isolating the specific germ of contagious 

 abortion. He found it between the. foetal envelopes, 

 where it developed, bringing about a uterine catarrh, 

 and setting up an inflammation of the membranes, and 

 at the same time depositing a secretion between these 

 tissues, gradually forcing them apart, destroying the 

 circulation in the membranes and cuttinof off the 

 nourishment of the foetus. j 



The first symptom may be the presence of a 

 partially developed foetus found on the pasture, or in 

 the stable, but the symptoms generally are so slight as 

 to escape observation. If the animal be very closely 

 watched, there may be noticed a very slight relaxing of 

 the pelvic ligaments, and congestion of the vulva for 

 several hours before parturition, but even this is 

 sometimes absent. 



I In the Mare, the condition occurs generally from 

 the fourth to the ninth month of pregnancy ; in the 

 Cow, from the third to the seventh month. 



Treatment. — Complete isolation of all animals that 

 are affected, and thorough disinfection of the stables 

 or houses. Attendants on the affected animals 

 .should have their duties- confined entirely .to those 

 animals, and should have no connection whatever with 

 the healthy stock. It has been recommended that 



