388 FCETAL DYSTOKIA. 



Franck remarks {Handbuch dcr Thierdrztlichen Geburtshiilfe, p. 429), 

 that the fact that sometimes a Cow will for a number of years bring forth 

 these dropsical calves ( Wasserkdlher) in succession, while other Cows in 

 the same shed produce healthy calves, shows that there is probably, in 

 these cases at least, some anomaly in the uterine vessels ; the fact, also, 

 that sometimes along with general anasarca and ascites, there are rhachitic 

 alterations of the bones, points to mal-assimilation, or deficient supply of 

 the protein substances and phosphorus salts, the deficiency being presum- 

 ably due to disease on the part of the mother, or to some anomaly in 

 the composition of the uterine milk. 



Dystokia 



The amount of difficulty met with during delivery in these cases will 

 depend upon the quantity of fluid effused into the abdominal cavity, chest, 

 or superficial connective tissue. 



Sometimes delivery is possible with the aid of traction. But in the 

 great majority of instances, when the head and fore-feet have passed 

 through the os, further progress appears to be impossible. In these cases 

 we have extreme distention, but even in some of them delivery by traction 

 is not hopeless. Cazeaux Traite Theoretique et Practique de VArt des 

 AccoHchmenis, p. 659) says of this condition in the human foetus : " The 

 abdominal parieteshave been observed to yield in such a way that a large 

 portion of the tumor remained above the inlet, while the trunk gradually 

 descended into the pelvis ; and when once a part of the abdomen had 

 cleared the passage, the fluid escaped into it and towards the point where 

 there was least resistance, the volume of the part still in the pelvis pro- 

 gressively diminishing, and delivery beingfinally accomplished naturally." 



Saint-Cyr is of opinion that it is probable delivery has been effected in 

 a similar manner, in those cases in which the dropsical foetus of animals 

 has been extracted without operation or mutilation. 



Sometimes the walls of the abdomen give way, as in the case recorded 

 by Courjon (Rainard, Oj>. cif., p. 485). This veterinarian attended a Cow, 

 three years old, which was in the act of parturition. The foetus was in 

 the natural position, and the head and fore limbs were external to the 

 vulva. Strong traction was employed to extract 'it, during which the 

 abdomen ruptured, and it was estimated that more than twenty litres of 

 fluid escaped. The Cow was in great danger for a month afterwards. 



Diagnosis. 



The nature of the obstacle can only be ascertained by vaginal or uterine 

 exploration, though an examination per rectum may assist in leading to a 

 correct diagnosis. 



In vaginal exploration the great size of the abdomen in ascites, the dis- 

 tention of its parietes, and the fluctuation on pressure, should reveal the 

 state of affairs. Not unfrequently, however, the body of the foetus so com- 

 pletely blocks up the passage that it is impossible to pass the hand, and 

 it may be necessary to remove the protruding limbs by embryotomy in 

 order to diminish its volume. Hesitation in resorting to this operation is 

 usually unjustifiable, as the foetus is nearly always dead, and if alive it 

 cannot exist after birth. 



It has been recommended, in addition, to remove the two first ribs, in 



