PREVENTION, SYMPTOMS AND TREATMENT 217 



The uterus should always be gently explored for placental or 

 other remains, and if present they should be removed. Dilatation 

 of the cervix by sounds is sometimes necessary in cows. The uterus 

 may be wiped out with compound tincture of iodine. It is wise for 

 the attendant to wear rubber gloves for protection of himself and 

 patient against infection. The uterus should be irrigated twice daily 

 with warm 1 per cent, lysol solution until the rectum-water comes 

 away clear. A stiff catheter six feet long may be used for the larger 

 animals, made sterile by soaking in 5 per cent, carbolic solution. 

 The external genitals and vagina should always be cleansed before 

 treating the uterus. Abrasions may be treated by dry boric acid. 

 Large animals should stand with the hind quarters lowered while 

 having uterine douches. 



General treatment consists in the use of large amounts of 

 alcohol (6 ounces for large animals), ergot to contract the womb, 

 twice daily ( fluidextract, §i, large animals; 3ss-l, bitches); and 

 saline cathartics for cows, linseed oil for mares, and castor oil for 

 bitches are desirable. 



The food should be very nourishing and grains, milk, eggs and 

 meat juice are in order. The rectal injection of saline solution at 

 ioo° F., containing one level teaspoonful of common salt to the 

 pint, is very efficient in all septic states. It should be given twice 

 daily in as great amount as may be retained. ( See page 287. ) In- 

 travenous infusion of similar sterile salt solutions (4 to 6 quarts for 

 large animals) is also very valuable but requires expert attendance. 

 Fluidextract of nux vomica or strychnine in full doses are indicated. 



Prevention. — Isolation of animals about to abort, or to calve, 

 is essential. When parturient fever appears it must be treated as a 

 contagious disease and all means of spreading it prevented by 

 cleanliness of attendants, patients, and premises, and avoidance of 

 same utensils, sponges, attendants, food and water for sick and well 

 animals. Thorough disinfection of premises, as for contagious 



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