DYSTOKIA DEPENDING ON POSTERIOR PRESENTATION. 481 



preference is generally given to division at the hock. This is effected by 

 drawing the joint as far into the vagina as possible, either by the hand 

 or a cord passed round the part (Fig. 135) ; if it can be drawn beyond 

 the vulva, all the better, but this requires much force. The joint is then 

 disarticulated, and the separated portion of the limb withdrawn from the 

 passage. The other leg being served in the same way, delivery can be 

 completed in the ordinary manner — the obstacle being now removed. 



" Now and then," as Cartwright remarks, " we are not able to bring the 

 legs straight into the passage, but have to get away the fcetus by means 

 of cords around the hock or hocks, with one or both of the legs doubled 

 forward against the thigh. In these cases it will be advisable to divide 

 the tendons at the back of the legs, just above the point of the os calcis, 

 and also the flexor tendons below the hocks, by which means the flexion 



Fig 135 

 Hock Presentation : Hock Corded. 



at the hock-joints will be more perfect, and the leg and thigh approximate 

 better. After we have done this, we may pull at the cords around the 

 hocks pretty freely ; but we must not omit forcing the breech into the 

 abdomen, so as to allow the limbs or the stifles becoming straightened, 

 and prevent the stifles wedging against the anterior part of the pelvis. . . 

 In some cases, I have known the fcetus to come away in a breech presen- 

 tation, without the legs being straightened at the stifles ; but it is bad prac- 

 tice. In some cases we may remove the leg-bone, by sawing the bone 

 through, close up to the hock, and afterwards passing a cord above the 

 OS calcis to pull at, and then pushing the breech forward." 



With the Cow, the calf is very frequently alive, and an important con- 

 sideration is how to deliver it in this condition. Should it be impossible 

 to effect retropulsion, forced extraction in this malposition should be at- 

 tempted ; it has often proved successful, and particularly when only one 

 limb was retained. 31 



