2IO DISEASES OF THE DOMESTIC ANIMALS 



Treatment. — Placental or membranous remains should be re- 

 moved and contraction of the uterus stimulated by injection of 

 sterile water at 120 F. When the uterus is freed from foreign 

 contents the hypodermatic injection of ergotin (H. & C, §ss-i; 

 D., gr. ii-x) or fluidextract of ergot by mouth (H. & C, 3 ss_ i> 

 D., oss-i) should be used and repeated every two hours if not at 

 once effective. Raising the hind quarters of large animals is of 

 benefit, and the application of tight strapping about the belly. The 

 introduction of ice into the uterus is recommended but is less val- 

 uable than hot water. 



Laceration of the uterus calls for packing of the wound with 

 sterile gauze or suturing, and inversion demands replacement. The 

 subcutaneous use of morphine, or laudanum by mouth, is of service 

 in quieting the animal and preventing shock. 



The introduction of sterile salt solution at io5°-iio° F. (one 

 level teaspoonful of common salt to the pint) into a vein, under the 

 skin or by rectum, is always indicated in severe hemorrhage, to- 

 gether with the use of strychnine subcutaneously and strong alco- 

 holic liquor by mouth. ( See p. 287. ) 



Post-Partum Paralysis — Parturient Apoplexy — Milk Fever. 



A disease peculiar to and very common in cows. It occurs 

 more often in well-fed, heavy milkers which have borne several 

 calves. The disease appears usually within twenty-four hours after 

 calving, more rarely before, and even as late as a week to six 

 months after parturition. The cause is not certainly known. 

 Schmidt theorizes that a poison is formed in the udder owing to 

 over-activity of its cells. 



Symptoms. — The first noticeable signs are uneasiness with 

 stamping of the hind legs, twitching of the muscles, dragging of the 

 hind legs, staggering gait behind, and finally the animal falls and 

 lies with the head against the side of the body. Consciousness is 

 dulled or lost. The eyelids may not wink when the eye is touched, 



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