DISEASES AND ABNORMALITIES. 147 
Treatment.—Cold applications and compresses ; 
scarification followed by hot fomentations, and after- 
wards astringents. 
Omphalitis—Inflammation of’ the Umbilical Cord. 
This is an inflammation of the umbilical vein 
(omphalo-phlebztzs), but may also involve the abdominal 
portion of that structure, and as a consequence of 
extension of infection and inflammation, the condition 
may become very serious. Embolic infarction of the 
lungs, liver, or other organs is likely to ensue, with 
gangrene, septicemia, and pyemia. 
Causes.—Mechanical injury, admission of air or 
foreign material to the interior of the umbilical vessels, 
exposure, improper food to mother. Infection from a 
decomposed afterbirth, an abortion, a case of metritis, 
a foetid discharge from uterus, a case of erysipelas, 
accumulations of excreta, infected litter, etc. 
Symptoms.—In the normal state, the umbilical cord 
usually dries up and becomes separated a few days after 
the young one is born. When inflammation attacks it, 
however, the part appears moist, and projects from the 
abdomen as an indurated enlargement, discharging from 
its centre a small quantity of thin, unhealthy, purulent- 
looking fluid. The umbilical vein usually remains open, 
and can be explored by a probe, passed at first upward, 
and then forward towards the liver. 
The general symptoms are: dulness, arched back, 
indifference to the teat, and to surrounding objects, 
constantly lying down, elevation of temperature, 
hurried, panting respiration. Later, great prostration, 
