58 VETERINARY OBSTETRICS. 
access to the system through the digestive, respiratory, 
or circulatory channels, or has altogether a local action, 
has not yet been definitely ascertained, but it is 
thought probable that it finds its way to the interior of 
the uterus through the vagina and cervix. 
The first symptom may be the presence of a 
partially developed foetus found on the pasture, or in 
the stable, but the symptoms generally are so slight as. 
to escape observation. If the animal be very closely 
watched, there may be noticed a very slight relaxing of 
the pelvic ligaments, and congestion of the vulva for 
several hours before parturition, but even this is. 
sometimes absent. 
In the Mare, the condition occurs generally from 
the fourth to the ninth month of pregnancy; in the 
Cow, from the third to the seventh month. 
Treatment.—Complete isolation of all animals that 
are affected, and thorough disinfection of the stables. 
or houses. Attendants on the affected animals 
should have their duties confined entirely to those 
animals, and should have no connection whatever with 
the healthy stock. It has been recommended that: 
pregnant animals should have antiseptics administered 
internally, and careful attention paid to their feeding. 
Animals that have aborted should have their 
membranes removed as early as possible, and burnt, 
and the uterus, vagina, external genitals, and tail, as 
well as the hind limbs to the hoofs, should be 
carefully treated with antiseptics. 
Nocard recommends the following solution for 
sponging the anus, tail, vulva, ete.: 
