ACCIDENTS FOLLOWING PARTURITION. 1 05 



of the blood-vessels strangulated, then the chances are 

 that the case will terminate fatally, although reduction 

 of the condition has been successfully performed. If 

 the womb is cold, and the vessels strangulated, it is 

 advisable to immerse it in a hot antiseptic solution. 

 If cedematous, the most dependent part should be 

 scarified, to allow of escape of the fluid. In every 

 case, if the membranes have not been removed, 

 this should be done before any other treatment is 

 adopted. 



When the animal is down, and it is impossible to 

 persuade her to rise, have some clean bedding, on 

 which should be placed a clean sheet, or piece of 

 sacking, for the uterine mass to rest on, and when it 

 has been satisfactorily treated, its return must be 

 attempted. An assistant should elevate each corner of 

 the sheet, and at the same time should press it towards 

 the quarters of the patient, whilst the operator manipu- 

 lates the mass at the lips of the vulva. 



As soon as the organ is partially returned, the best 

 mode of treatment is to press the closed hand firmly 

 against the most dependent part of the uterus, and^ 

 doubling its walls, push the mass before the hand into 

 the normal cavity. If called at once, the uterus may 

 be returned ; but if it has been out for several hours,. 

 or perhaps days, and the os is partly or firmly coa- 

 tracted, it may be impossible to return it. 



If the animal can stand, the operation is much- 

 simpler, on the same plan, the only difference being 

 that the sheet is held by the assistants, and not laid oa 

 the ground or floor. When the uterus is returned, it 



