126 VETERINARY OBSTETRICS. 



Parturient Paralysis (post-partum). 



This condition may be seen in any of the domestic 

 animals, is most common in the Cow, and follows 

 shortly after parturition. 



The cause and pathology are not well understood. 

 Some authorities believe it is due to a strain of the 

 pelvic ligaments. Others, that the spinal cord is at 

 fault, or, that the cord may not be affected, but the 

 nerves supplying the hind extremities are, or that there 

 is some derangement of the sympathetic nervous system. 



Symptoms. — The animal gets down, and is unable tc^ 

 rise. On an examination being made at once, it will 

 be found that all the functions of the body appear 

 normal, but the power of motion, and sometimes of 

 sensation, is lost, — always motion first. There may be 

 no response to stimuli beyond the lumbar region of the 

 spinal cord. If the animal is allowed to lie, all the 

 other functions soon become interfered with, and m 

 twenty-four hours afterwards it may be very easy to 

 confound this with one of "parturient apoplexy." 



The treatment consists in giving a laxative, to be 

 followed by stimulants and afterwards tonics. A 

 stimulating blister to the spine ; the rectum and bladder 

 to be kept relieved. Nerve tonics and galvanism will 

 be found efficacious. 



Phlegmasia Dolens. 



This condition is more common in the human- 

 subject than In the lower animals. It appears generally 

 a few days after parturition. 



It is due to an obstructian of the lymphatics of one 

 or more limbs, or of the femoral, or femoral and iliac 



