CuHapTer XV. 
DISEASES AND ABNORMALITIES OF THE 
YOUNG ANIMAL. 
Asphyxia or Suspended Breathing. 
Whenever the circulation between the mother and 
offspring is stopped, either by rupture or occlusion of 
the umbilical cord, respiration in the young animal must 
be carried on by the lungs, or death will speedily follow. 
The establishment of respiration is a purely reflex act. 
The sudden transition, from an intra-uterine existence 
to that in the outer world, operating upon the skin, 
produces an impression which is transmitted to the 
respiratory nervous centres, and resulting in the respira- 
tory muscles being called into action. 
Causes—Among the obstacles to respiration may 
be mentioned suffocation, before or during birth, from 
compression of the umbilical cord and the arrést of its 
circulation; intra-uterine respiration; detachment of 
the foetal membranes from the womb before the birth 
of the foetus; a too free communication between the 
cardiac auricles ; envelopment of the head in the mem- 
branes; tenacious mucus in the mouth or nose, etc. 
Resusciation.—Cold water thrown over body, and 
especially the head and chest. Inflating the lungs, 
performing artificial respiratory movements ; rubbing 
of the limbs; the forcible introduction of air into the 
lungs; tobacco smoke blown into the nose, etc. 
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