MONSTROSITIES. 4 1 7 



either to muscular contraction in the foetus, or to extraneous uterine 

 pressure, and if we glance at the figure which illustrates one variety of 

 this malformation at page 407, we will readily perceive that the obstetrist 

 may indeed have a serious task before him if he is required to remove 

 such a misshapen foetus. The remarks we have made with regard to 

 dystokia from muscular contraction are applicable to this form of mon- 

 strosity ; and in the majority of instances, it will be found that embry- 

 otomy, or even the Cassarean section, must be resorted to. The following 

 are illustrative cases. 



Wilson ( Veterinarian, vol. xl., p. 770) attended an aged Cow which had been in labor 

 for more than twenty hours. The abdominal viscera of the foetus were hanging from 

 the Cow's vagina, and as much of the pudendum as could be seen was livid and flaccid. 

 Introducing his arm, he discovered what afterwards proved to be an irregularly-round 

 bony mass, too large apparently for birth. The presenting substance was a portion of a 

 malformed foetus. Nothing resembling a calf could be discovered, though what seemed 

 to be a kyst was found ; this was punctured, but with no evident result. Embryotomy 

 was out of the question, as it was not known how to proceed ; so it was decided to draw 

 the mass into the genital passage, in order to extract it. Tracing the connections of the 

 fostal viscera, what 'was supposed to be the oesophagus was found in the middle of the 

 hard mass. Four or five inches within this orifice, a strong iron hook, to which a cord 

 was fastened, was inserted. 



Smearing the foetus well with soft soap, and giving the cord to an assistant, with in- 

 structions to pull steadily and gently, after some manipulation the mass was carried into 

 the OS uteri, and by continuing the efforts delivery was effected. On examination, the 

 bony mass felt within the uterus was found to be composed of all the bones of the trunk, 

 except the cervical vertebras, " jumbled and thrown together." " Projecting from one 

 side of this were the fore legs, and in the middle of these the head and neck, all fully 

 formed and well haired." The part mistaken for a kyst and punctured, was discovered 

 to be a large piece of perfect skin growing from the bony lump, and falling round the 

 whole mass. The Cow recovered in a short time. 



The same writer {Ibid., vol. xli., p. 606) attended another aged Cow which had been irt 

 labor for a day. Two or three j^ersons had felt for the calf, but could not understand 

 its presentation, which was very peculiar. The head and fore legs were in the natural 

 position, but the two hind feet were also in the passage — one resting on the spine and 

 the other against the right shoulder of the calf, each leg with its posterior part superior. 

 Wilson, at first believing two calves to be present, endeavored to return the hind legs 

 into the uterus, but they were immovable, and the presentation could not be changed. 

 Embryotomy was, therefore, resorted to, and each hind leg was detached at the stifle 

 joint ; after which the Cow calved without much difficulty. An examination of the foetus 

 showed that the position of the hind legs depended upon a twist in'the loins. The Cow 

 perfectly recovered. 



Cyclopean Monstrosity. 



A Cyclopean Monstrosity would not, so far as the visual deformity is 

 concerned, give any trouble to the obstetrist ; but in conjuction with this 

 condition we not unfrequently find other anomalies existing, as in the 

 following instance : — 



Wilson { Veterinarian, vol. xli., p. 607) mentions the case of a Cow which was nearly 

 fifty-five weeks pregnant when parturition commenced. The presentation of the foetus 

 was natural, but the limbs were excessive in size. Eventration had to be effected before 

 delivery was completed, the calf having been in the genital passage for more than two 

 hours, notwithstanding the efforts of three or four men, who pulled at it from time to 

 time. The calf was not larger than the female calf usually is, but the nasal bones were 

 entirely absent, as well as the nasal openings — the skin in this situation being elongated 

 as a simple but well-haired flap. On the under part of this flap, which was about three 

 inches long, the lower jaw, mouth, and tongue appeared to be properly formed. " The 

 foetus was a cyclops, as only one eye existed, and this in the centre of the forehead. The 

 eye was very imperfect, and the eyelids were much contracted and ran parallel to the 

 longitudinal suture. The external ears seemed to be perfect in form, but the meatus 

 auditorius was closed in both of them." 



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