602 Some Observations on Parturition Fever in Ruminants. 
pleurze ; but I imagine that the explanation of such extension is 
equally, if not more correctly, afforded by regarding it as owing 
to the state of general septic infection. In some instances in the 
sheep I have observed thrombosis, i.e. plugging of the pelvic veins, 
well-marked pneumonia, with plugging of pulmonary vessels and 
minute abscesses scattered throughout the pulmonary tissue, 
which are pathological conditions in all probability owing their 
origin to irritative changes connected with bacterial growth and 
dissemination. In many of the very rapidly fatal cases of par- 
turition fever resulting from a combination of septic poisoning 
and septic infection, we have no thrombosis of uterine or pelvic 
vessels, but very obvious changes in the physical characters of 
the blood, already noticed as being features of the common form 
of septicaemic poisoning appearing in cows. 
Symptoms. — The period which may intervene between the 
accomplishment of the parturient act and the accession of the 
attendant fever is somewhat varied. In the ewe this period is 
not so long delayed as in the cow, although even in the latter case 
a week may elapse before we can be satisfied of the existence 
of indications of illness ; this is particularly the case when the 
morbid state seems to result from the decomposition of retained 
placental membranes or other materials. From the accomplish- 
ment of the act of birth-giving, until the outset of the illness, 
the animal may, even to an acute observer, seem to be pro- 
gressing favourably. The earliest indications of change are 
rigors, staring coat, elevated internal temperature, irregular 
distribution of surface heat, suspension of milk secretion, with a 
flaccid condition of the udder, irregular appetite, and other 
visible signs of fever. More careful examination will reveal dis- 
turbance in connection with other activities and functions, and 
show that there exists a decided change in the relation of the 
animal's situation and exchanges with the outer world. The 
pulse is increased in frequency, is small and wiry, the respira- 
tions are short and hurried, the secretions from the kidneys and the 
bowels are scanty, and the latter dry. In some animals, in which 
the uterus or the bowels seem much involved, we have exhibi- 
tions of pains, with febrile exacerbations and some restlessness. 
Except in the very mildest cases, the arrest of milk-secretion 
and impairment of appetite are always marked features which 
maintain their ascendency all through the disease. Should 
this condition be connected with injuries to the generative 
passages received during parturition, there will be much 
tumefaction of these parts, with sometimes a discharge of a 
slightly coloured serous fluid ; while if a manual examination of 
the passages is made, the elevation of internal temperature is 
very perceptible, and in rarer instances we may detect an 
