244 



NORMAL PARTURITION. 



modify them by converting them into one of the preceding positions, and 

 particularly the vertebro-sacral ; though this modification requires the 

 manipulative skill of an experienced veterinary surgeon. If the foetus is 

 already in the canal, delivery must be attempted according to the prin- 

 ciples already indicated : directing the feet towards the centre of the 

 passage and outside the vulva, and employing moderate traction on the 

 limbs. 



When the foetus presents posteriorly, in the lumbo-sacral position, with 

 the croup towards the maternal sacrum, the only way in which birth can 

 be effected naturally is when the feet of the hinder extremities lead and 

 dilate the os. This position is recognized by the coronary and pastern 

 joints being bent upwards, and by the hocks, which are deeper situated, 

 are flexed in the opposite direction, and are distinguished by their broad 

 flat sides and the blunt point of the calcis, which points in a contrary 

 direction to the flexure of the joint. In this position, the two limbs are 

 to be seized at the pastern, and traction exercised at first slightly 

 upwards, in order to carry the stifles over the brim of the pubis, which 

 sometimes checks them ; then downwards, to bring the croup below the 

 sacrum ; and lastly, an alternate movement from right to left and left to 

 right, to free the haunches, one after the other. It is well to see that the 

 tail of the foetus is in a right direction before traction has been much 

 practised. 



The other positions will be referred to in the second division of this 

 work.^ 



We mav remark, however, with regard to gemellar parturition, that this 

 kind of pregnancy is not usually recognized in uniparous animals until 

 birth takes place. The escape of only a small quantity of liquor amnii, 

 and the small size of the creature first delivered, when compared with 

 the size of the mother's abdomen, are not infallible indications that more 

 young will be produced. Soon, however, another water-bag appears, 

 and another foetus presents at the vulva. Not unfrequently, when the 

 position of the two foetuses is natural, they present one after the other 

 successively, and without any assistance being required. This is the 

 case more particularly with the Sheep and Goat — animals which so often 

 produce twins. But sometimes, and especially with the larger animals, 

 the two foetuses present themselves simultaneously at the pelvic inlet, and 

 neither can pass through. In such a case, which it must be confessed is 

 rare, it is necessary to push back the one least favorably presenting, and 

 to keep it away until the fore limbs of the other are engaged in the pas- 

 sage. If the two foetuses chance to be in an unfavorable position, the 

 anterior extremities of one should be sought for (recognized by the knees, 

 and to a certain extent by the pasterns), or the hind limbs (recognized 

 by the pasterns and hocks) if they are convenient for the purpose, and 

 traction exercised as in the case of a single foetus, and according to the 

 directions given above, taking care to keep the other foetus out of the 

 way. Should it not be possible to extract this foetus, it may be that cer- 

 tain parts of the other stop its progress, or that the expulsive forces are 

 expended on the latter, although it is farthest from the os. It is then 

 necessary to push back and turn the former, and endeavor to extract it 

 by the extremity opposite to that which was first tried. But if the fore 

 limbs have been got into the passage, as well as the head, the position 

 need not be changed, the procedure being then the same as for a foetus 

 disproportionately large. 



