338 MANUAL OF FARM ANIMALS 



After the whole membrane is removed, it may be well to disin- 

 fect the womb with a two per cent solution of carbolic acid. 



Eversion of the womb. — This ailment is commonly called 

 "casting the wethers," and is rather common among cattle. 

 It often follows difficult parturition, the cow continuing to 

 strain until the womb is forced out and hangs in a large mass 

 from the vulva. The womb can be instantly recognized from 

 the other membranes by the presence of the mushroom-shaped 

 bodies, each two to three inches in diameter and attached by 

 a narrow neck. There are a large number of these bodies, fifty 

 to one hundred. 



The displaced womb should be carefully washed with cold 

 water containing a one per cent solution of carbolic acid. The 

 cold is useful to drive out the blood and reduce the bulk. Now 

 with the closed fist planted in the rounded end of the largest 

 horn of the womb, push back so as to reinvert the womb into 

 place. This must be done gradually. The cow will strain 

 while this is being done, but the womb is to be firmly held until 

 the straining is over. This straining may be overcome in part 

 by pinching on the back. 



The holding of the womb in place is the next point. This is 

 perhaps best accomplished by the use of a rope truss. This 

 truss can be made from a long one inch rope. Double the long 

 rope at its middle and place over the neck of the cow; bring the 

 ends, one on either side of the neck, down between the fore legs, 

 twist them together to make firm, carry back between the hind 

 legs and up to the vulva, here cross them and tie firmly with 

 a string, then, just before the tail is reached, cross back and tie 

 firmly, thus making a ring which when drawn tight will press 

 the vulva; then carry the ropes forward along the back and tie 

 into the middle of the rope at the top of the neck. The rope 

 should be drawn so tight that the rope ring is made to press 

 firmly all around the vulva. 



Milk-fever. — This disease is also known as parturition 



