DISEASES OF THE DOMESTIC ANIMALS. 



Abortion (Accidental and Contagions) — Slipping — Slinking. 



(A) Accidental. — Calf abortion, strictly speaking, is the ex- 

 pulsion of the fetus before it is viable, at jy 2 months old, but the 

 name is often used to mean expulsion before full term. 



Symptoms of Threatened Abortion. — In the first three months 

 of pregnancy, the appearance of a bloody, watery or mucous dis- 

 charge from the vagina. In the later months, uneasiness, swelling, 

 heat and tenderness about the udder; secretion of milk; and straining 

 as if in labor. 



Causes of Accidental Abortion: — i. Mechanical injuries due to 

 blows, falls ; improper floors, as those too slippery, or sloping back- 

 ward too much ; deep gutters ; railway journeys ; pregnant animals 

 riding the non-pregnant in heat. 



2. General diseases. Premature breeding; plethora; anemia 

 and malnutrition through interference with the fetal circulation. 

 Anemia may be caused by improper feeding, and lack of mineral 

 matter in the food may induce pica, seen often in pregnant cows. 

 Anemia is also due to excessive lactation, intestinal parasites, hem- 

 orrhage and unhealthy surroundings. 



3. Special Diseases. Chronic disorders of digestion leading to 

 the formation of gas in the rumen and pressure on the womb. 

 Also diarrhea and straining. Disease of the urinary organs, as 

 renal calculus in cattle (from lack of sufficient water), reflexly 



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