2^6 MATERNAL DYSTOKIA. 



Rueff mentions two instances in which they have occurred spontaneously 

 during very violent labor pains. 



In the latter instances, there may have existed a predisposition due to 

 a diseased condition of the bones — a predisposition not uncommon in 

 breeding animals. 



Tumors in the Pelvic Cavity. 



Tumors of various kinds, in addition to those of a bony character due 

 to injury — such as fibromata, melanotic, and cancerous tumors — may 

 prove a cause of dystokia \ abscess may also co-exist with pregnancy, and 

 be a source of difficulty in parturition. But that form of melanosis which 

 appears in grey animals, and particularly manifests itself in the form of 

 tumors at the root of the tail, around the anus, and in the connective 

 tissue of the pelvis, should offer the most frequent obstacle to delivery. 



One case has occurred in my own experience, in which an aged Mare, nearly white, 

 belonging to a friend, was, on my recommendation, taken by a farmer, who attempted to 

 breed from it ; but at the termination of pregnancy, and during parturition, it died with- 

 out giving birth to a foal. 



When opened, it was found that delivery could not take place, owing to great masses 

 of melanotic deposit in the pelvic cavity. When given to the farmer there were only a 

 few small nodular masses observed about the tail and vulva. 



Leconte [Mem. de la Societe Ccntrale de Med. Veterinaire, vol. v., p. i8o), was con- 

 sulted with regard to a Mare, about twelve years old, and about five months pregnant, 

 which had such a large melanotic deposit around the anus that defecation was impossi- 

 ble without assistance. Rectal exploration discovered a very voluminous tumor sit- 

 uated at the left side of the pelvis, in the centre of which a slight fluctuation could be 

 perceived. With a view to accelerate the maturation of the tumor, vesicatory agents 

 were applied to the left flank and croup ; five days later the tumor was larger and more 

 fluctuating, and it was punctured, when about two pints of a dark, purulent, but almost 

 odorless fluid escaped. On the hand being introduced into the softening mass, a por- 

 tion was found about the size of two fists, and partially detached ; this was removed, 

 and weighed nearly seven pounds. In twelve days the wound had cicatrized ; and in 

 five and a half months, gestation being nearly completed, another melanotic tumor, sit- 

 iiated somewhat deeply towards the right side of the pelvic cavity, was also removed. 

 Cicatrization took place rapidly, and delivery occurred without any difficulty. 



Indications for Surgical Treatment. 



The surgical treatment of those cases in which dystokia is due to any 

 of the causes just enumerated, will greatly depend upon circumstances, 

 not only with regard to the kind of treatment, but also as to its expediency 

 at all. 



For instance, if total or partial deformity of the pelvis is present to 

 such a degree as to endanger the life of the animal during parturition, or 

 if there exist obstacles due to fractures oi tumors, and which cannot be 

 removed, then it may be advisable, if the animal be fit for food and in 

 good condition, to send it to the butcher ; or if it be pregnant and in in- 

 ferior condition, to produce abortion at a sufficiently early period. But 

 if parturition has already commenced, then, of course, surgical or obstet- 

 rical treatment must be had recourse to ; and the nature of this will de- 

 pend upon the constriction of the pelvic cavity, and the kind of obstacle 

 which causes the diminished space. The indications are : to forcibly ex- 

 tract the foetus through the narrowed passage ; to 7mden the passage ; to dimin- 

 ish the size of the fxtus ; or to make an artificial passage. But as artificial 

 abortion may be necessary during pregnancy, should the veterinarian be 



