PARTURITION FEVER, 



407 



Symptoms of parturition fever m the mare. In this 

 female the principal manifestations of the disease again enter into 

 the category of septicemia. We observe especially the high state 

 and irregular distribution of the temperature, the acceleration and 

 irregularity of the pulse; chills, inappétence, and the abolition of 

 peristaltic movements, colic, stupefaction, finally inflammatory alter- 

 ations of the genital orgaus. The course is always rapid. 



Treatment. The principal indication is the disinfection of the 

 uterus and vagina. Carbolized water (1 to 5 per ceut.), very much 

 used formerly, may be replaced with advantage by cresylic acid in 

 J or 1 per cent, solution. This latter agent is not toxic, is more 

 efficient than carbolic acid, aud produces the almost immediate dis- 

 appearance of putrid odor which comes from the genital orgaus. 

 Carbolic acid incompletely dissolved may have a corrosive action 

 upon the utero-vaginal mucous membrane. The sublimate injec- 

 tions (1 :1000) are only proper for carnivorous animals; for the 

 herbivora, and especially the cow, they are very dangerous, in 

 spite of what some have stated concerning this question, and by the 

 irritation produced they cause violent expulsive movements. Iodo- 

 form, which is toxic and is also insoluble in water, is not advisable. 



In administering ergot of rye, we may produce contractions of 

 the uterine walls and lessen the resorption of septic matters. Laxa- 

 tive purgatives are indicated with the object of favoriug elimination 

 of the infectious products through the intestinal mucous membrane. 

 Cutaneous frictious act in the same way. Fever and weakness 

 have to be combated by means of antipyretics and stimulants. 



Prophylactic measures are of the highest importance. They 

 comprise : a rigorous asepsis of the obstetrician's hands and instru- 

 ments; the isolating of females about to be delivered, and their 

 removal from other animnls in a less advanced stage of gestation, 

 especially from those having aborted lately or which are affected 

 by a chronic vaginal discharge, or by diseases of the skin accom- 

 panied by suppuration, etc. ; the necessary precautions in order to 

 prevent the accidental transmission by men having charge of the 

 patients, through the uteusils, food, drink, sponges, etc.; in the 

 disinfection of the stables, the stalls, etc., with chloride of lime, 

 cresylic or carbolic acid, and the other disinfectants ; finally a 

 properly regulated ventilation of the premises. 



The question of consumption of the meat coming from animals 

 having been killed during parturition fever is important, and it is 



