PECrLIAB TO HOKSES. 67 



nary circumstances the colt can be extracted without proceeding to 

 disembowel it or decapitate it. If, however, either of the latter 

 operations will facilitate the birth, I should certainly perform one or 

 the other, or both. 



Having extracted the whole of the fcetus, I next remove the 

 placenta and membranes, and then drench the mare with fluid extract 

 of ginger, half an ounce; tincture of matico, one ounce; warm 

 water, one quart ; this will improve the condition of the prostrate 

 animal, and insure contraction of the uterus. 



The uterine expulsive power, so favorable to the liberation of the 

 colt, if dormant, can readily be aroused by administering a stimu- 

 latinsr drench. 



VETERINARY MIDWIFERY. 



BEEKCH PRESENTATION. 



I was requested, some time ago, to visit a valuable mare, she 

 having been in labor some five or six hours without eifecting deliv- 

 ery. On arrival I was informed that every effort had been made to 

 remove the foetus, that six men having a rope attached to the same, 

 had been pulling " might and main" without success ; that finally a 

 pair of mules was harnessed to the legs of the unborn ! 



In spite of this rough and unwarrantable treatment the mare 

 still survived, and had strong uterine pains. On examination I 

 found that it was a case of breech presentation — hind feet present- 

 ing ; the long diameter of the foetal pelvis opposed to the short 

 diameter of that of the mother. I merely pushed the foetus back- 

 ward and changed the position of the same, brought the long diam- 

 eter of the pelvis of the»*one, in apposition with that of the other ; 

 and in the course of five minutes, with the assistance of one man, 

 delivered the mare of a dead colt. 



Remarks. — Such cases, I am informed, are constantly occurring, 

 and very often the life of a valuable mare is thus sacrificed at the 

 shrine of ignorance ; this is not a matter that would warrant any 

 member of our profession in scolding about; it is a subject which 

 demands our serious attention, and all our efforts as philanthropists 

 and christian men, should be exercised for the purpose of putting a 

 stop to Ac perpetration of similar barbarities. The only remedy, as 

 I understand the subject, is the establishment of Veterinary Col- 

 leges and Schools throughout the length and breadth of these United 

 States ; and I entreat the readers of this work, to use their means 

 and influence for the purpose of educating men for the responsible 

 duties of veterinary surgeons. 



It may be gratifying to our readers to know how the above case 

 terminated, hence I append the following extract from my " case 

 book." 



After delivery, the mare appeared perfectly prostrated ; pulse, at 

 the angle of the jaw, almost indistinct ; extremities cold ; tips of 

 the ears and lips icy cold ; visible surfaces pale ; respiration labori- 

 ous, and the prognosis was unfavorable. 



