734 Veterinary Obstetrics 



efforts. In some cases almost no labor pains are observed through- 

 out their clinical history, and the presence of the emphysematous 

 cadaver is made manifest chiefly by the protrusion of the putrid 

 fetal membranes and the advent of fetid vaginal discharges. 



In the second class, or secondary emphysema, are included 

 those cases in which the fetus was alive, or at least not em- 

 physematous, at the beginning of labor, and in which the em- 

 physema follows the expulsive efforts because of some delay 

 in the expulsion of the fetus as a consequence of dystokia. The 

 first class might be termed the dystokia of emphysema ; the 

 second the emphysema of dystokia. 



Whatever the cause of emphysema, in addition to the decom-. 

 position of the fetal cadaver, metritis, metro-peritonitis, pyaemia 

 and septicaemia are more or less frequent and intense. The uter- 

 ine walls become thickened, hard and unyielding. Sometimes 

 the walls are one inch or more thick, dark colored, black, or 

 necrotic- green. The uterine expulsive powers are absent or 

 greatly enfeebled. 



The prognosis is grave. In the cow, the extraction of the 

 fetus after two or three days, or even its complete decomposition 

 and sloughing out through the abdominal walls or into the ali- 

 mentary tract, sometimes occurs. In fact, after emphysematous 

 decomposition of the fetus has continued for a few days, the uterus 

 and system acquire marked powers of resistance. 



It is the recent case of emphysema which offers the grave 

 prognosis. We have seen death from septicaemia and uterine 

 gangrene, in the cow, within 24 hours after the owner had first 

 observed signs of labor or disease. In these cases, apparently, the 

 emphysema antedated any expulsive efforts, and the uterus quickly 

 lost its expulsive powers. 



Handling, i. Forced Extraction. In many cases it is ad- 

 visable to bring about delivery by forced extraction, pages 586 

 and 640. When forced extraction is to be attempted, we should 

 first correct any deviation or abnormal condition of the presenting 

 parts and then, lubricating the passages thoroughly with warm 

 lysol solution or fat, apply traction, as already directed. The 

 traction should be judiciously applied, but may be quite powerful, 

 because, in the emphysematous state, the pressure is very evenly 

 distributed over every part of the genital canal. It should be 

 remembered also that the operation should not be hastened be- 



