PARTURITION. 



485 



head presenting, (2) the tail presenting, (3) the right transverse position, 

 and (4) the left transverse position. 



Head Presentation. — This is the most common, and the one that is 

 attended with the least difficulty. It is depicted with great accuracy in 

 our illustration. The fore feet are extended, and the head rests upon 

 them ; thus they form a sort of cone, which acts as a dilator of the passage, 

 greatly facilitating the delivery. Many authors claim this to be the only 

 "natural" form of delivery. 



Tail Presentation. — This is another frequent form, yet much less so 

 than the one just considered. Here the hind feet protrude, with the tail 

 resting on them. This form of delivery is not as easy as the first, on 

 account of there being no gradual dilatation to permit the passage of the 



HEAD I'RESE^JTATION. 



large croup. It is easily recognized by feeling the hocks and tlie tail of the 

 foetus. 



Right Transverse Position.— This should not be considered a natural 

 form (though many veterinarians think otherwise), but rather as a mal- 

 presentation. The head is turned to the right side of the mother. It may 

 be distinguished by feeling the colt's withers, mane and head. 



Left Transverse Position. — This is the reverse of the preceding. The 

 position is head to the left, as may be recognized by feeling the colt's 

 withers, and up along his neck. 



All other presentations may, in a general way, be regarded as modifica- 

 tions of the four above described. 



