56 VETERINARY OBSTETRICS. 
Symptoms of rupture of this organ may not be well 
defined. If due to external violence, the signs may be 
apparent. After straining ceases, the animal may exhibit 
all the symptoms of acute abdominal pain : inappetence, 
suspension of rumination, quickened pulse, short, 
hurried breathing, looking round to the flanks, ete. 
The presence of fluid may be detected in the lower 
third of the abdomen. Exploration per vagina may 
reveal an empty womb, and perhaps the discovery of 
the rupture itself. 
Treatment can not be said to be very satisfactory. 
If the uterus has been everted, the wound can be 
closed by sutures, the parts made thoroughly aseptic, 
and the organ carefully returned to its cavity. Should 
the foetus be alive, and the period of parturition close 
at hand, it may, under certain conditions of the parent, 
be advisable to destroy her, and endeavor to save the 
young one. Or, on the other hand, a surgical operation 
might be performed for the extraction of the dead 
foetus, with the chance of saving the life of the mother. 
Should peritonitis threaten, treatment for that 
condition would necessarily follow. 
In favorable cases in the smaller animals, the 
Czsarian section might be practiced with considerable 
success. 
Abortion. 
Premature Expulsion of the Foetus. 
There are two varieties of this condition, viz.: 
Sporadic; and Epizootic, Enzootic, or Infectious. 
