imaurosis 



435 



The premature evacuation of the uterus having been deter- 

 mined upon, the obstetrist, under all due aseptic precautions, is 

 to carefully and gradually dilate the cervical canal, rupture the 

 fetal membranes, cause the fetal fluids to escape, secure the 

 fetus, arrange the presenting parts in the proper position, and, 

 exerting sufficient traction upon the presenting parts, gradually 

 cause the needed dilation of the cervical canal and complete the 

 extraction of the fetus. The process should not be hastened, 

 but as gently accomplished as is possible. In our experience, 

 the operation in the cow requires for its proper performance 

 three to five hours. 



When begun, the delivery should be completed without any 

 intermission of effort. Should the cervix be dilated and the 

 membranes ruptured, in the weakened condition of the uterus, 

 infection of the membranes, death and decomposition of the 

 fetus, metritis and sepsis of the mother are extreinely liable to 

 follow. 



The fetus removed, the uterine cavity, or rather the cavity of 

 the fetal membranes, should be flushed out with tepid water in 

 order to remove blood coagula and fetal fluids. A small amount 

 of carbolic acid or other antiseptic may be added to the uterine 

 douche. 



The fetal membranes are to be allowed to remain in the uterus 

 for 18 to 24 hours, when they are to be mechanically removed, 

 if practicable, followed by antiseptic douching of the uterine 

 cavity. If the membranes are inseparable except by lacerating 

 the maternal placenta, their removal should be further delayed 

 and their putrefaction prevented or ameliorated by the frequent 

 introduction into the uterus of large volumes of tepid water, to 

 which a little carbolic acid has been added. The introduction 

 of the tepid fluid not only keeps the organ cleansed but also 

 favors its involution and the expulsion of the retained membranes. 



Amaurosis. 



Fleming quotes Riss (Recueil de Med. Veterinaire, 1851), 

 who observed two cases of amaurosis in pregnant mares, which 

 appeared late in gestation and disappeared promptly after 

 parturition. We have observed one instance of amaurosis 

 appearing in a mare late in gestation, but the disease remained 

 permanent after parturition. In case the disease was proba- 



