442 



FCETAL DYSTOKIA. 



stetrists, has witnessed several instances. One or both h'mbs may be 

 carried over the neck, and the complication is only observed when the 

 foetus is in the vertebro-sacral position. 



It is undoubtedly, in many instances, an obstacle to parturition, as the 

 shoulders are no longer lodged in the hollow space at each side of the 

 neck, but are fixed at the side of the chest, the transverse diameter of 

 which they increase. The obstacle is still greater if one or both of the 

 limbs should chance to cross towards the summit of the head. At all 

 times the complication is more serious if the labor pains are violent and 

 irregular — as they generally are in the Mare when there is any impediment 

 to birth : then there only too frequently results laceration of the roof of 

 the vagina, perforation of the rectum, rupture of the perineum, etc. Jn 

 the most favorable cases, labor is protracted and more severe, and con- 

 tusions of the genital canal are almost unavoidable. In some cases birth 

 may and does tak,e place without assistance. Rainard alludes to the case 

 of an Ass in which spontaneous delivery occurred, notwithstanding the 

 existence of this complication. 



Anterior Presentation : Fore Limb Crossed Over the Neck. 



The misdirection is recognized by the limb or limbs appearing to be 

 shorter and higher than usual ; if only one limb is displaced, then two 

 limbs will be found on one side of the head, one being much shorter aiid 

 higher than the other. 



Indications. 



When only one limb is crossed, reduction is not difficult, and may be 

 effected in the pelvis. The leg is seized a little above the fetlock, raised, 

 drawn to its proper side, and extended in the genital canal. Delivery 

 may then take place without help, or gentle traction on the head and limbs 

 may be necessary. f 



When both fore-limbs are crossed, and the foetus is not too far advanced 



