On Abortion in Cows. 



89 



of the belly and chest of the fcetus, the viscera of these cavities 

 removed, then, by drawing at its head and legs, the sides of the 

 bodv are compressed, and delivery is effected. 



Cross births,'^ or false -presentations^''^ seldom interfere with 

 delivery in abortion occurring at an early period of gestation, 

 but if it be delayed till within six or nine weeks of the time of 

 natural parturition, they sometimes prevent expulsion of the 

 foetus. False presentations with abortion are often more difficult 

 to rectify than when they occur at natural parturition, and in 

 cases of this kind the aid of an experienced and dexterous prac- 

 titioner is required, whose best care is needed to ensure the cow's 

 safety. If she has been straining for some time, and the liquor 

 amnii is partly evacuated without any appearance of the foetus, 

 the hand of the operator m.ust be introduced to ascertain its 

 position. The presentation is almost always unnatural if the 

 foetus is not expelled within a reasonable time after rupture of 

 the membranes, yet in some instances, although the water-bag 

 has burst, the cow is cruelly allowed to pass several days under 

 labour-pains without attempts being m.ade to relieve her. This 

 is culpable neglect, for delay of this kind always increases the 

 danger and difficulty of delivery, and retards recovery. On in- 

 troducing the hand it is possible that the os uteri may not be 

 sufficiently open to allow the necessary manipulation : such 

 being the case, steady attempts may be made to dilate it, and 

 sufficient time allowed for the purpose. If the pains are very 

 severe an occasional dose of laudanum may be given to relieve 

 them ; chloroform is highly efficacious in promoting the same 

 end. Some persons advocate bleeding, but this is a remedy 

 which, under all circumstances of the case, we would rarely 

 advise. Other practitioners recommend the application of ex- 

 tract of belladonna and other sedative substances to the os uteri ; 

 their beneficial action, however, is very doubtful. We believe 

 that cautious continued attempts at dilatation, by expanding the 

 hand in the contracted part, affording due time for the efforts of 

 nature herself, and the administration of tinct. opii, as advised, 

 are the safest and most efficient means of promoting enlargement 

 of the OS uteri. When the opening is sufficiently increased in 

 size, the presentation, if false, must be rectified, and the foetus 

 taken away. The methods of remedying these presentations 

 must be left to the practitioner, and are chiefly the same as 

 those required in like cases attendant on ordinary parturition. 

 When delivery is completed the cleansing must be taken away 

 by adopting the method before advised for its removal. 



After abortion, even in cases where the cleansing has been 

 expelled, a discharge of a peculiar kind usually flows from the 

 uterus for several weeks successively. It is different in character 



