204 The Diseases of Animals 



piece of rope and loop it around the fore leg, and another 

 around the head; then push the fetus back into the 

 uterus, and bring forward the fore leg that is doubled 

 back, thus securing a normal position. In most cases of 

 dystokia, a smooth piece of small rope, six to eight feet 

 long, is all that is needed. Cotton sash cord is excellent. 

 When both fore legs are doubled back and the head 

 is presented, the latter should be secured by a rope, 

 the fetus pushed back, and the legs secured and 

 brought forward. In case the fetus is dead, and the 

 head is badly swollen, so that it cannot be 

 pushed back, the head can be amputated after 

 the neck is firmly secured by a rope. When 

 the fetus is presented with the hind parts first, 

 both hind legs are to be secured and the deliv- 

 ery made in that position. When both hind 

 legs are doubled back it is called a "breech" 

 presentation; this, and a back presentation are 

 usually very difficult to deliver. A fetus may be 

 presented in a score of different positions, some 

 of them requiring ingenuity and skill to handle, 

 together with careful study of conditions. 

 LOOP for In small animals, when the vagina is too 

 re ST s small to admit the hand, a piece of wire can be 

 animals. Doubled . an <i the ends passed through a small 

 tube, thus forming a loop (Fig. 40) . This can be slipped 

 over a leg or the head of the fetus, the tube pushed up 

 to hold it, and the fetus secured. Excellent forceps are 

 made for this purpose. In case the fetus is deformed 

 or is a monstrosity, it should be dealt with as the 

 special case seems to warrant. 



