CATTLE DURING PREGNANCY. 
519 
readily detached; but on no account should its extraction be 
persisted in if any difficulty is experienced, as nothing more 
than a febrile condition of the animal will result from its being 
withheld for a few days, which an aperient, in combination with 
a diuretic, generally removes. In the event of its continuing to 
be retained for a longer period, which occasionally occurs, a 
foetid and unsightly discharge will be the consequence. This 
may be somewhat corrected by the use of chloride solution ; but 
should any portion of the placenta protrude, the appliance of a 
constant weight is of essential service in effecting its removal : 
this is best accomplished by rolling as much of the membrane 
as can be obtained on two good-sized sticks, until it reaches the 
vulva, secure with a cord each of the ends, and daily, as it re- 
laxes, take up the additional portion, until the whole of it is 
brought away. 
Inversion of the uterus (which is the last affection to which 
I shall at present solicit your attention) is of frequent occur- 
rence to the cow and sheep : it commonly takes place after a 
tedious labour, or when the pains have been very severe ; the 
uterus, being suddenly relieved of the foetus, contracts so forcibly 
upon itself, that its inversion is the consequence. At other 
times it will occur several hours after parturition, but then re- 
sults from the continued contractions of the uterus to expel the 
after-birth. The relative position of the hind and fore extre- 
mities at these times materially influences such a tendency, 
gravitation greatly favouring the expulsion. The accident 
having occurred, it will be necessary as speedily as possible to 
return the inversion ; and the sooner this is effected after it has 
happened the less will be the difficulty experienced, as, while 
inverted, the circulation of the blood to the part is impeded, and 
the viscus consequently becomes much congested and swollen. 
The most favourable mode of proceeding will be to have the 
hind quarters well elevated with straw, or if the cow is standing, 
which is to be desired, dig a hole for the fore-feet, then, having 
thoroughly cleansed the uterus with warm milk and water, 
carefully remove any of the placenta which may still adhere, 
direct a couple of assistants to support the uterus with a clean 
cloth : the usual method is then to grasp the upper portion of the 
inverted viscus, and gradually to return it until one-third is in- 
troduced, when the lower part is to be seized, and by persever- 
ingly pushing forwards, restored to its natural position. To 
effect this by means of the arm alone is much more readily de- 
scribed than accomplished; I have, therefore, been in the habit, 
in such cases, of making use of a wooden bulbous instrument 
which I attach to my crutch apparatus, and with it carefully 
raise the most depending portion of the uterus ; then, having 
