94 
N. H. PAAREN. 
considerably. If the general condition and state of health of 
the animal is good, if there is no straining, and if a considerable 
portion of the afterbirth is visible externally, there is generally 
no danger. The more of the afterbirth that protrudes soon after 
delivery, the greater is the probability that it will readily depart, 
and vice versa. But, should the animal lose its appetite and be¬ 
come drowsy ; should diarrhoea and severe straining ensue ; if the 
external parts become swollen, red and ulcerated, and the after¬ 
birth decomposes, the condition of the animal must be regarded 
as precarious. 
The qualitative condition of the secundines may vary, and this 
circumstance seems not to be without influence upon the reten¬ 
tion and its consequences. Thus it is sometimes found to be 
tough, strong and leathery, a condition which long resists decom¬ 
position ; so that, even after the lapse of eight days, it may yet 
be found comparatively fresh, in which case its retention does not 
seem to inconvenience the cow. In other cases it is found to be 
■ 
rather flabby, of loose texture, slimy, blue-colored from overfilling 
with blood, very tender and easily torn, soon decomposing, and 
thus in a high degree possessing the conditions favorable for the 
development of pyaemia. It seems, furthermore, that the danger 
from retention of the afterbirth to some extent may be enhanced 
by accidentally prevailing diseases, and especially during the 
prevalence of typhoid or putrid diseases among cattle. 
From what we have said about some of the causes of retention 
of the afterbirth, it will be apparent that treatment in every case 
must vary considerably. Where the cow is quiet, the general 
health undisturbed, and the nearest cause of retention may be 
looked upon as due to relaxation or want of contractibility, the 
use of savin or ergot is indicated. The dose of ergot is from two 
drachms to half an ounce, given two or three times daily, together 
with juniper berries, calamus root, &c. Herbse sabinse may be 
given either in the form of infusion, an ounce to twenty-four 
ounces of water, at one dose; or, in the form of powder, from 
one-half to one ounce, two or three times daily, either alone or 
together with aromatics. If the cow strains so much as to make 
it probable that a too close adhesion exists between the parts, the 
