500 
Abortion in Cows. 
Abortion is met with in two forms — namely, " Sporadic," 
isolated occasional cases, and " Enzootic," general outbreaks 
affecting a whole herd. It may take place at any period of 
gestation up to the time when the calf is capable of maintaining 
an independent existence ; but the second and the seventh 
months are generally looked upon as the most critical periods 
of gestation. 
Sporadic Abortion. 
Sporadic or isolated cases do not, as a rule, cause the breeder 
much anxiety ; they are looked upon as part of the risks 
attending and to be expected in a breeding-herd ; but inasmuch 
as they may and do under some circumstances establish centres 
of the disease, or are the forerunners of a general outbreak, they 
always require prompt and special attention. 
Causes. — Amongst the most common must be placed direct 
violence, which, by producing shock and disturbance to the 
uterus or the nervous system, arrests development of the foetus, 
and leads to abortion — as seen in those cases following railway- 
journeys, slips and falls, jamming in door-ways, cows bulling 
upon each other, and excitement caused by dogs and strangers. 
Abortion may be due to a diseased condition of the mother : 
thus it often follows outbreaks of foot-and-mouth disease, and 
diseases of the stomach and bowels. Tuberculosis is a frequent 
cause of abortion. Cows with a tubercular taint may go on 
breeding for some time, so long, in fact, as the uterus, its 
appendages, and covering, are not implicated ; but if any of these 
structures become involved, which they are ever ready to do, the 
cow, depending upon the state she is in, either ceases to breed, 
or, if in calf, aborts and breeds no more. Foetal life and develop- 
ment depend upon a natural healthy supply of blood from the 
mother, therefore anything which interferes with, or alters the 
character of, this vital fluid, must be classed amongst the causes 
of abortion. The relative constituents of the blood are affected, 
and morbid changes are produced by food, water, and general 
management. High feeding and want of exercise, or the 
reverse, food deficient in feeding properties, and exposure to 
bad weather, will all lead to abortion. The blood may also be 
rendered poisonous to foetal life by unsound food, food under- 
going putrefactive changes, and by impure air and water : the 
latter from its quick absorption acting most directly. Abortion 
from these causes often takes place without any apparent dis- 
turbance in the health of the cow, but she may be primarily" 
affected, and abortion ensue as a consequence. 
Symptoms.— When abortion takes place in the early stages of 
gestation, the symptoms are slight, and easily overlooked : a 
