On Abortion in Cows. 



87 



good derived from it in comparison with that attendant upon 

 taking the cleansing away^, rigidly separating the affected animals 

 from others, and otherwise treating them as here advised. 



Cleansing drinks," so called, are extensively prescribed by 

 farriers and druggists in various parts of the country, under the 

 idea that such compounds in some way or other promote expul- 

 sion of the cleansing. These drinks are for the most part com- 

 posed of stimulating aromatic ingredients, combined with pur- 

 gative and diuretic medicines. They are seldom productive of 

 any good effects beyond those which depend on their purgative 

 action, whilst their aromatic and resinous properties very fre- 

 quently render them highly injurious, by acting directly on a class 

 of organs previously irritated, and probably in a state of inflam- 

 mation. A dose of saline purgative medicine, such as half a 

 pound to a pound of Epsom salts, with an ounce of ginger, and 

 half a pound of treacle, mixed in a quart or three pints of meal 

 gruel, is frequently of service, and forms about the oidy cleans- 

 ing drink " which the non -professional man should trust himself 

 to administer. If the animal be really weak and in low condition, 

 half a pint to a pint of good ale may be combined with the drench 

 here recommended. If the bowels are already sufficiently open to 

 forbid the use of laxative medicine, ale with treacle-gruel may be 

 given instead. Ergot of rye is much relied on by some, as causing 

 expulsion of the cleansing. We have not found it to be a 

 medicine to be depended on in this respect. It has been given 

 in two-drachm and half-ounce dozes to pregnant rabbits and 

 bitches daily, for weeks together, without producing any per- 

 ceptible uterine action. — (See Edin. Med. and Surg. Journal," 

 for 1840.) 



If the placenta is retained, and the hand of the operator cannot 

 be introduced into the uterus in consequence of contraction of 

 the OS uteri, and if no part of the cleansing can be taken hold of, 

 the calf-bed must be syringed with warm water by means of a 

 suitable instrument, which the veterinary surgeon for the most part 

 is alone competent to use. It is improper to attempt removal of 

 the cleansing, as before advised, if the hand cannot be introduced 

 into the uterus by applying a moderate degree of dilating pres- 

 sure, or if the cleansing is so firmly attached as not to give way 

 to the application of reasonable force. 



After some cases of abortion, as well as after some of ordi- 

 nary parturition, the cow is affected with severe straining, or 

 bearing down, called after-pains. These will, in cases of abor- 

 tion, sometimes continue for several days, and induce a highly 

 feverish state of system in the suffering animal. They are occa- 

 sionally accompanied by a discharge of blood, and are mostly 

 observed when the cleansing is entirely retained in the uterus. 



