MECHANICAL EXTRACTION OF THE FCETUS. 



517 



at least from their 3.c\.\on~^crott/iet-forceps^ have been long employed by 

 veterinary obstetrists, and with much advantage in certain cases. The 

 simplest of these consists merely of two short crotchets, the points oppo- 

 site each other, and a cord passing through both eyelets (Fig. 167). The 

 hooks can be inserted near, but opposite to, each other, on each side of 

 the spine, pelvis, head, flanks, etc., the cord, when tightened, bringing 

 them closer together, and so concentrating the traction. A longer crot- 



Fig. t68. 

 LoMG Simple Crotchet-Forceps. 



chet-forceps, with a wider curve at the points, is not unfrequently used 

 with success in breech presentations with the hind limbs retained ; the 

 points are inserted towards each flank, penetrating as far as the shaft of 

 the ilium. 



Fig. i6g. 

 Gunther's Long Crotchet-Forceps. 



Fig, 170. 

 Jointed Crotchst-Forceps. 



Gunther has spoken highly in favor of a long blunt crotchet-forceps to 

 answer the same purpose, but which has what is considered an advantage 

 — a series of notches on each side towards 'the traction-rope, on which 

 runs a clip that binds them together, and prevents their flying outwards 

 while the assistants are pulling (Fig. 169). 



The two crotchets A B, C D, are brought together at A C by the cord 

 C, which passes through their eyelets ; d is the clip on the ratchet, e e ; //, 

 the curve of the crotchets ; and gg, their blunt points. 



To render their hold more secure, these crotchet-forceps are some- 



