232 



COMMON DISEASES. 



tion from the twist, holding firmly to the foetus meanwhile. If 

 the operator can succeed in getting his hand into the uterus, and 

 especially if he can get one or more foetal limbs through the neck 

 of the uterus, the twist may usually be reduced. Some of these 

 cases, however, are exceedingly difficult to handle. 



ACCIDENTS OF PARTURITION. 



The most common arc: (aj germ infection; (b) inversion 

 of the uterus; (c) tear in the vagina; (d) retention of foetal 

 membranes ; (e) haemorrhage. 



(a) Germ infection may cause blood poisoning. When in- 

 troducing the hand or any other foreign body, be sure that it has 

 not recently touched what is dead or putrefying. 



(b) Inversion of the uterus. —Most common in the cow — 

 may be partial or complete. There may also be partial eversiort 

 of the bladder, and vagina. 



Causes. — May be excess- 

 ive force used in aiding de- 

 livery, or failure of the 

 uterus to contract after de- 

 livery. 



Treatment. — Thoroughly 

 cleanse the protruding 

 uterus with hot water and 

 invert over the hand and 

 arm. Be careful to smooth 

 out each fold and leave the 

 uterus in a natural position. 

 If the uterus is greatly 

 swollen and heavy, bathe in 

 cold astringent solutions,, 

 like strong alum water, until the size is sufficiently reduced 

 to permit replacement. A common washtub is very convenient 

 for bathing the soiled and swollen uterus. 



Bandaging very firmly with a wide roller of muslin forces out 

 much of the blood, reduces the bulk, and allows handling of the 

 uterus without injury. The bandage should be wide, and rolled 

 from each end. 



To put on the bandage, begin with the middle of the bandage 



FIG. 83. BOVINE COTYLEDONS. 

 A, Pedicle of uterine cotyledon; B, B, 

 uterine cotyledon; D, foetal cotyledon; E, 

 foetal membrane. 



Digitized by Microsoft® 



