282 BREEDING 



delivery is then effected in the usual way. Besides this faulty position 

 the head may also be thrown upwards and backwards while the fore-limbs 

 are presented in the passage. As we have already pointed out, these 

 are always most difficult tasks, and require a large practical experience, 

 skill, and judgment to ensure success. They are not such as to be under- 

 taken by the amateur if professional assistance can be procured. 



MECHANICAL AIDS TO DELIVERY 



Mechanical aids in difficult operations become indispensable to success, 

 and it is of the first importance that whoever undertakes their use should 

 clearly understand the particular purpose for which they are designed, 

 as also their most effective mode of adjustment. These qualifications 

 cannot be imparted by any written description, but must be acquired by 

 experience and practice. 



In proceeding to deliver a mare, the uterus should first be freely 

 explored until the precise position of the foetus has been determined; 

 then the steps necessary to bring it into a natural presentation and effect 

 its removal should be carefully considered. 



In this connection it should always be in the mind of the operator 

 that where two feet are presented they may not belong to the same animal, 

 and before delivery is attempted he should fully satisfy himself that he 

 is not dealing with twins, from each of which a foot may proceed. 



Where but one foal exists, it is equally important to be assured that 

 the feet in the passage are both fore-feet or hind-feet, and not one of each. 

 The application of force while these precautions are neglected would en- 

 danger the life of both dam and offspring. 



It may be found that the existing malposition is such as can be rectified 

 by a little judicious employment of the hands alone, or that the use of 

 ropes, repellers, hooks, or pulleys, or all these several appliances, will 

 be called for in the course of delivery. Besides the mechanical aids, it 

 must not be overlooked that the mare may be made to lend herself to 

 the process of delivery by being placed in certain special positions. By 

 raising the hind-quarters with litter, the foetus may be thrown forward 

 and more room afforded the operator in rectifying the presentation, or 

 it may be desirable to place her in the reverse position by underpacking 

 in front. 



It is a good working rule to secure with ropes or other means all 

 parts which are found to be in the passage whatever they may be, and 

 to keep them under control until it has been fully decided that they 

 are not necessary to delivery. 



