DISEASES OF THE FCETUS. 3^1 



version and retropulsion cannot be beneficially resorted to here ; but 

 deep incisions may be practised on the surface of the body of the foetus 

 as far as the hand and knife can reach. The maternal passages, as well 

 as the foetus, should then be well lubricated with some fatty agent, and if 

 the carcase is in a favorable position traction may be tried — cords and 

 hooks being employed in a manner hereafter described. If the position 

 is not favorable, then it must be corrected. 



Should mechanical extraction fail, then embryotomy must be practised. 

 After the foetus has been removed, thorough cleansing of the uterus will 

 be necessary 



POLYSARCIA. 



German authors only, so far as I can ascertain, make mention of this 

 condition, in which there are abnormal accumulations of adipose matter 

 in the subcutaneous connective tissue ; so that at birth these fat deposits 

 often cause the calf to weigh more than a hundredweight. They are 

 designated in Germany "lard calves " {Speck-kdlber). 



Fig. 84. 

 Deformed Head and Neck of a Foal, due to Contraction and Pressure in the Uterus. 



Indications. 



The indications for the extraction of these lardaceous calves are, as 

 might be presumed, the same as those for over-developed foetuses in 

 general. 



Contractions. 



This designation has been given to the permanent contraction or 

 retraction of certain muscles — and we might add tendons and ligaments 

 — which, in becoming hard and rigid, are at the same time reduced in 

 length and thickness, so as to form inextensible cords which deform the 

 part they are attached to, and prevent its assuming its natural positions. 



This state of contraction and rigidity only 'takes place slowly and pro- 

 gressively, and it chiefly, though not exclusively, affects the muscles of the 



