496 



FCETAL DYSTOKIA. 



presentations the veterinary surgeon can meet with ; while others assert 

 that it is not so formidable. The gravity of the case will depend, as in 

 some of the other presentations, on circumstances, which we need not 

 here again allude to. 



When the limbs have been distinguished, it is n good plan to secure 

 them by cords specially marked either by colored tape or knots, so that 

 the operator may know which are the hind and which the fore-legs. 



As delivery is impossible so long as the young creature remains in this 

 presentation, the first indication is version. This should be so effected 

 as to bring the hind-quarters of the foetus, if possible, towards the inlet 



Fig. 143. 

 Sterno-abdominal Presentation, Head and Feet Engaged: Foal. 



— convert the presentation into a posterior one, and the lumbo-sacral or 

 lumbo-pubic position. The reason for preferring this to the anterior 

 presentation, is that we have only two members to deal with ; whereas, 

 in the latter, we have three, one of which is the head, and this is only too 

 frequently difficult, if not impossible, to secure. 



In order to effect posterior version, the hind-feet are corded ; if only one 

 is in the passage, the case is then troublesome, but the missing one must 

 be sought for, brought into the vagina in the manner already explained, 

 and secured — the cords being given to assistants. If the head is engaged 

 in the passage, it must be pushed through the inlet, and as far as pos-' 

 sible into the uterus. It is recommended by some authorities to push the 

 fore-limbs as well i-nto the abdomen, and in some cases, when the foetus 



