PARTURIENT APOPLEXY. 
443 
contraction does not take place with that rhythm so conducive to a 
normal and healthy parturition ; perhaps there is an irritation of 
the membrane lining the uterus, brought about by the contents left 
in the cavity of that organ, which in some way deranges the sym¬ 
pathetic system. 
Perhaps we may after awhile find some particular parasite 
either in the blood or cavity of the uterus which brings about the 
same irritation. One thing is evident to me, that there is a de¬ 
rangement of the sympathetic system, for almost at once one or¬ 
gan after another ceases to perform its functions. This chain of 
nerves playing so important a part on the action of the circula¬ 
tion, could bring about a rush of blood to the head. Why then 
could it not produce apoplexy by its control over the blood ves¬ 
sels. 
Chauveau says it holds under its control the circulating phe¬ 
nomena, especially in the capillary plexuses, causing these canals 
to dilate or contract, and thus diminish or accelerate the flow of 
blood in them. By this action on the blood vessels it may have 
a secondary influence on the nutrition of the organs to which 
these vessels are distributed. 
This will probably explain the different opinions on the con¬ 
dition of the brain as found on autopsy. Some find congestion, 
others anemia of that organ ; it will also explain why all the 
functions of the different organs in the body are interfered with. 
You probably question me as to treatment? What answer can 
I make you except to say that as we do not know positively what 
the cause of parturient apoplexy is, we have no line of treatment 
that we can call specific. I think each individual case should be 
treated according to the symptoms, whatever the stage is at the 
time we are called. I will say if your success has been no better 
than mine, I can deeply sympathize with you. With me there is 
one thing I can say and that is, since I have abandoned all heroic 
treatment I have had much better success. What earthly good 
can large fluid doses do when all the digestive organs are at a 
standstill, and, perhaps, the power of deglutition lost ? Will it 
not rather do harm than good ? If the cow is standing when we 
are called, then perhaps, a depletive measure, carefully regulated 
