412 Veterinary Obstetrics 



suggested that it was due to the fright and pain of the surgical 

 operation or possibly to a considerable hemorrhage which fol- 

 lowed the removal of the horns. 



Any drug which causes more or less serious poisoning of the 

 mother may naturally imperil the life of the fetus. Chief among 

 the drugs which have a bad repute in this respect are aloes 

 and other drastic purgatives. Whether these act by passing 

 through the placenta and gaining access to the fetus itself and 

 injuring it, or by causing contractions of the uterus in harmony 

 with the peristalsis of the intestines, we do not know. Usually, 

 however, other purgatives, such as bland oils and moderate doses 

 of eserine and arecoline, may be given without inducing abortion 

 and with the same safety as if the animal were not pregnant. 



Consequently, in dealing with pregnant animals, we should 

 constantly bear in mind the possibilities of abortion or other in- 

 jury to the fetus, and not cause unnecessary interference which 

 may imperil the life of the fetus. From a politic standpoint, the 

 owner of the animal should always be advised of the possible dan- 

 ger to the fetus from medication or .surgical operation and in all 

 cases the casting and other manipulations connected with disease 

 or operation should be as gently and judiciously carried out as is 

 possible. 



