GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS. 265 



from any violent handling of, or traction on, the foetus which might render 

 irremediable a difficulty often easy to surmount at the commencement, by 

 anv one sufficiently acquainted with obstetrics. 



<3n his part, the veterinarian should not lose time in giving his services ; 

 as every minute's delay may render the case more difficult, and tend to 

 compromise the life of not only the young animal, but also that of the 

 mother, as well as the interests of the owner and his own reputation. It 

 is essential that he should be provided with certain instruments, as obstet- 

 rical operations are partly performed by means of these, as well as by 

 the unarmed hand, which is, after all, the most perfect instrument, and 

 should always be preferred to instruments when possible. Some opera- 

 tions, however, can only be undertaken with instruments, and it is there- 

 fore necessary that the obstetrist be provided with at least those which 

 are most useful and indispensable : such as one or two knives, cords, 

 hooks, Schaack's head-collar or some other pattern, etc., and these should 

 be so portable as to be carried in a leather or canvas bag, or a small 

 box. 



On reaching the patient, all information concerning it should be gath- 

 ered at once, and an examination immediately made into its condition. 

 The period when labor commenced ; if the " water-bag " has ruptured, 

 and when ; if the animal has gone its full time, or exceeded it ; if it is a 

 primipara, or, if not, if its previous parturitions were favorable ; all these 

 and other useful points in its history should be obtained. 



The examination should comprise : the general appearance of the 

 animal ; whether weak or strong ; the character of the pulse ; and the 

 nature, frequency, and intensity of the expulsive efforts ; as well as the 

 condition of the mammae, and external genital organs. After this, if further 

 examination is necessary, direct exploration of the internal genital organs 

 should be made. We have already described the mode of procedure to 

 be adopted in this exploration ; but because of its importance, we will 

 again notice it. 



If possible, the Mare and Cow should be examined in a standing atti- 

 tude, as this is the best. If, however, the animal is lying, and from 

 exhaustion or paralysis it cannot get up, then of course the examination 

 must be made in this position ; indeed, it may be advantageous to examine 

 in both positions. 



When standing, it should be approached gently and coaxingly, and 

 rigorous restraint is seldom necessary ; for the pains of labor usually 

 render the most vicious animals tractable. With the Mare it generally 

 suffices to have one of the fore feet held up by an assistant, while the 

 examination is made ; if young and dangerous, it may be necessary to 

 employ a side-line on a hind pastern, or hobbles on both hind pasterns, 

 and perhaps a twitch on the nose. With the Cow, a strong man holding 

 the animal's head is sufficient to make it stand quiet. 



Lateral movements may be prevented by placing the animal against a 

 wall or partition on one side, and a powerful man at the other side ; or a 

 man at each side. The operator must be on his guard against the animal 

 suddenly dropping, which would expose him to serious injury. When the 

 floor inclines from the tail towards the head of the animal it is most 

 favorable for an exploration, as the mass of intestines is thrown forward 

 against the diaphragm ; so that they do not press on the uterus, which is 

 then more free and better adapted for manoeuvres in its interior. 



When the operator has to explore in the lying position, he finds it much 



