482 FCETAL DYSTOKIA. 



To effect forced extraction with one limb alone flexed, the leg extended 

 in the vagina should be corded at the pastern, or above the hock if this 

 can be reached. A cord is then to be passed around the bent hock by 

 means of the porte-cord, and traction exercised during the labor-pains. 



When both legs are flexed at the hocks, cords must be passed round 

 each, as in Fig. 135. The necessary force can then be exercised. 



Should forced extraction not succeed, the limbs may be amputated at 

 the hocks, as with the Mare. 



It is well, in this malposition, when the hind-limbs have been either re- 

 moved or adju.-ted, to ascertain the direction of the tail, as it is some- 

 times thrown back over the croup (as in Fig. 135), and may thus increase 

 the difficulty to be surmounted. It may readily be brought back to its 

 natural position by passing the hand from the root to its extremity, and 

 bringing it into the vagina by withdrawing the arm. In some instances 

 retropulsion may be necessary before the tail can be adjusted. 



Thigh and Croup Presentation. 



The cause of this malposition is the same as that operating in hock pre- 

 sentation ; the deviation is not at all unusual in Mares or Cows with a 

 very pendulous abdomen. 



When the thighs and croup alone present at the inlet, the joints of the 

 hind limbs being partially or only very slightly flexed, it is evident that 

 the voluminous mass cannot pass into the pelvis. Some part of the pos- 

 terior region of the foetus — as the hocks — jams against the pelvic border 

 and cannot get beyond, while the points of the buttocks, placed in front 

 of the inlet, are engaged somewhat in the passage. With the continuance 

 of the labor-pains, this part gradually enters the pelvic cavity, while the 

 retained hind-limbs are proportionately forced forward beneath or on 

 each side of the abdomen of the foetus, until at last they are closely ap- 

 plied to the body, the creature has assumed the position of an animal 

 lying in a natural manner, and the posterior part of the trunk is firmly 

 fixed between the sacrum and pubis of the mother. 



The tall and buttocks of the foetus are, therefore, the first parts that the 

 hand encounters in exploring the genital canal ; then the croup and 

 haunches, and below, beneath the pubis, are found the hocks, which may 

 be more or less accessible to manipulation, according to circumstances : 

 though, when the limbs are fully extended under the body, they are be- 

 yond reach. Though the croup and haunches may have passed into the 

 pelvic inlet, yet nothing of the foetus is discernible externally, no matter 

 how long the labor may have been in progress. 



In the majority of cases, perhaps, the young creature is in the lumbo- 

 sacral position ; while in others it may be in the lumbo-pubic, or right or 

 left lumbo-ilial positions. 



Indications. 



Authorities are generally unanimous in asserting that this is one of the 

 most difficult malpositions the veterinary obstetrist can encounter. Very 

 frequently the mother perishes without being delivered ; and though some- 

 times a live calf may be extracted, it is rare indeed that a living foal is 

 obtained, and only too often the Mare succumbs after parturition has been 

 accomplished by manual force. The chances of success in saving either 

 mother or offspring are diminished in direct proportion to the time labor 



