47a 
SOCIETY MEETINGS. 
Toward the period of parturition these bodies become 
abundant and appear to concur in the decomposition of the 
foetal membranes, and their expulsion. Franck has shown 
that by smearing the vaginal canal of a pregnant animal to a 
certain depth with this matter from the expelled membranes 
of one which has been diseased, abortion can be induced. 
Symptoms : It is rarely that this form ol abortion takes 
place before the fourth month of gestation ; is mostly in filth 
and sixth, but may be later. This form of abortion is mostly 
without any effort or excitement upon the part of the mother, 
the foetus mostly still-born. Diagnosis is sometimes easy, but 
often is very difficult, as we are often asked by owners if such 
and such a cow is likely to abort, which is very hard, if not 
impossible, to answer, as she may show no outward signs, but 
still ma)’ abort in a few days. This puts the veterinarian in 
a position to be condemned, for if he had made his diagnosis 
correctly at this time it might have been prevented. 
' Another question asked is, has such a cow aborted ? In 
the absence of foetus or foetal membranes it is also hard to 
answer correctly. 
Treatment, preventive and remedial: Preventive is due 
to knowledge of the cause, if it can be found. First and 
most important is cleanliness. The shed or stable should be 
well ventilated and drained, allowing the air to pass through 
at least two hours every day ; should be whitewashed and 
disenfected after an animal has aborted, so as to kill the germs 
and smell. The animal herself should be removed from the 
rest of the herd for three or four weeks ; the stableman, after 
attending to her, should be carelul and not go among the 
other cattle without going out injFe fresh air for a while. If 
a cow shows any sign of aborting she should at once be re¬ 
moved by herself. Abortion can sometimes be prevented if 
seen early enough by giving narcotics, and keeping perfectly 
quiet for a few days, giving light, sloppy food. If when we 
have arrived and found the water bag bursted the only thing 
that can be done is to give the animal ample time to expel 
her offspring, which, if we find she cannot do, help must be 
given. The afterbirth should be removed at once, as it is 
