OBSEEYATIQNS REGARDING MOTHER AND PROGENY 441

SUPPLEMENTARY OBSERVATIONS REGARDING MOTHER
AND PROGENY.
The condition of the mother after obstetrical manipulations
and operations generally demands attention—all the more if
these have been severe and protracted. In trifling cases, it is
true, no care beyond that usually given after normal parturi-
tion is required, for as soon as delivery is completed she
will seek her offspring—if it be alive—and manifest her
interest in it, though she may have suffered considerably
before it was born. But in the great majority of difficult
cases, such as have been described in the preceding chapters,
the animal is much prostrated from prolonged suffering and
straining—so much so, indeed, as to lie extended in a
comatose condition, or apparently dead, from nervous
exhaustion. Though the mare can endure very much suffer-
ing during parturition, yet this state of collapse is not
infrequently observed. So stout-hearted is this animal that
when she has rallied from the effects of parturition and
evinced maternal solicitude for the foal, she begins* to eat and
drink; when she does not do so, it may be regarded as a very
grave sign.
To render the mother comfortable and restore her strength
should be the first consideration. The body ought to be
rubbed and dried, and covered with warm clothing; stimulants
must be given, as well as warm gruel and tepid water to
drink. If resting, she ought not to be disturbed; though, in
the case of the larger animals, some authorities assert that If
recumbent they ought to be got up if possible, as the internal
generative organs then assume their natural position more
readily. But unless there is apprehension of inversion of the
uterus, it is generally the best course to allow repose.
For cows much exhausted in calving it has been recom-
mended to give a subcutaneous injection of veratrine (4 to
5 grammes in alcoholic solution, 1 to 25) or strychnine,
which soon rallies them. When, after delivery has been
effected, animals remain restless, and apparently suffering
pain, they should receive soothing medicine, such as ehloral
hydrate, either in gruel or enema.