1 1 8 VETERINARY OBSTETRICS. 



hind-limb to the other. There are indications of 

 cerebral excitement, exhibited by frequent spasmodic 

 contractions of the eye-lids, pricking of the ears, and 

 the animal has a wild, staring appearance. Lacrymation 

 is generally excessive, the tears coursing down the sides 

 of the cheeks. Breathing becomes accelerated. After 

 a time there is loss of power, the animal sinking down 

 at the hocks, and ultimately falling to the ground. In 

 the early stage the pulse is hard and full ; later, however, 

 it becomes quick and frequent. The horns are hot. 

 The animal may fall into a comatose condition, lying 

 with the muzzle turned round to the flank, the pupils 

 widely dilated, and the eye insensible to light. Or, 

 there may be excitement, the head being thrown 

 violently about. Tympany seems to be invariably 

 present. When death is imminent, the more serious 

 symptoms become aggravated. Coma becomes more 

 and more complete. The muzzle rests upon the ground; 

 the animal, Instead of lying on the sternum, is stretched 

 at full length on her side. The eye-lids no longer 

 respond when the cornea is touched ; the pulse becomes 

 smaller, irregular, intermittent, and quicker, until it is 

 imperceptible. Tympanitis increases ; the mouth is 

 open, the breathing partially oral, with puffing of the 

 cheeks at each expiratory act, and stertor becomes 

 more marked, death taking place apparently without a 

 struggle, or during slight convulsions. 



The ordinary duration of the disease is two or three 

 days, but there are instances on record in which it has 

 been less than twenty-four hours ; rarely does it extend 

 to five or six days. 



