230 OBSTETRICS. 



This type of the abortion does not spread rapidly through a 

 herd, but the cases come at intervals throughout the season of preg- 

 nancy until a large percentage of the herd has aborted. 



Preventive treatment. — The uterus can frequently be quieted 

 and a threatened abortion prevented by the early administration 

 of tincture of opium and f. e. viburnum given as follows : 



Cow or mare. Sheep. 



Tine, opium 2 oz. 2 drams 



F. e. viburnum prunifolmm 3 oz. 3 drams 



Syrup 10 oz. 2 oz. 



Repeat every two hours until labor pains cease or the abor- 

 tion occurs. 



Prevention. — When a case of abortion occurs in any herd or 

 flock, begin a search for the cause. If this cause continues in 

 operation, a large number of animals may be affected. The animal 

 that has already aborted should be removed at once from the shed 

 or stable where the others are confined. All foetal membranes 

 and discharges from the vagina must be burned or buried, and the 

 stall where the abortion occurred should be disinfected with 5% 

 crude carbolic acid. If possible a special attendant should take 

 care of animals that have aborted. Animals which have aborted 

 should not be placed with the others again until 15 days after dis- 

 charge from vagina has ceased. 



Symptoms of approaching abortion are frequently meager 

 and rarelv very plain. Sometimes there is a discharge from the 

 vagina. This organ is swollen and the mucous membrane may- 

 be deeply congested. Slight labor pains sometimes appear sev- 

 eral hours before the foetus is expelled and before the sac is rup- 

 tured. Occasionally the animal may be noticed moving around 

 uneasily. 



Result of abortion. — In the infectious type more frequently 

 than in the other, the membranes are retained and slow blood pois- 

 oning ensues. Garget may appear which seems to be associated 

 with the condition of the uterus. The appetite is impaired or lost. 

 The patient loses flesh and gets very weak and thin and may come 

 in heat frequently, but does not' become pregnant again for a long 

 time. 



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