Chapter XV. 



DISEASES AND ABNORMAIilTIES OF THE 

 YOUNG ANIMAL. 



Asphyxia or Suspended Breathing. 



Whenever the circulation between the mother and 

 offspring is stopped, either by rupture or occlusion of 

 the umbilical cord, respiration in the young animal must 

 be carried on by the lungs, or death will speedily follow. 

 The establishment of respiration is a purely reflex act. 

 The sudden transition, from an intra-uterine existence 

 to that in the outer world, operating upon the skin, 

 produces an impression which is transmitted to the 

 respiratory nervous centres, and resulting in the respira- 

 tory muscles being called into action. 



Causes. — Among the obstacles to respiration may 

 be mentioned suffocation, before or during birth, from 

 compression of the umbilical cord and the arrest of Its 

 circulation ; Intra-uterine respiration ; detachment of 

 the foetal membranes from the womb before the birth 

 of the foetus ; a too free communication between the 

 cardiac auricles ; envelopment of the head in the mem- 

 branes ; tenacious mucus In the mouth or nose, etc. 



Resuscitation. — Cold water thrown over body, and 

 especially the head and chest. Inflating the lungs, 

 performing artificial respiratory movements ; rubbing 

 of the limbs ; the forcible Introduction of air into the 

 lungs ; tobacco smoke blown Into the nose, etc. 



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