EMBRYOTOMY. 533 



/(etiis, when its retention in the uterus has given rise to intense emphy- 

 sema which hinders delivery ; certain diseases of the foetus^ as hydroceph- 

 alus, ascitis, oedema, etc. Indeed, embryotomy is indicated in every 

 case when parturition cannot be accomplished by the other measures 

 already mentioned, without seriously compromising the life or future 

 usefulness of the parent. 



We have stated that division of the foetus is a heavy and fatiguing task ; 

 and we have only now to remark that, however easy it may be to lay 

 down rules and give directions as to how the manuel of the operation 

 should be conducted, those only who have had experience in this direc- 

 tion can testify that it is much easier to write and to speak than to act, 

 and that some of the manoeuvres so complacently recommended by those 

 who have but little knowledge of the practical part of veterinary obstet- 

 rics, cannot be carried out. 



The fact is, that embryotomy cannot be restricted to definite rules 

 which shall be applicable to every case ; the operation must vary ac- 

 cording to circumstances, and these are often of the most diverse kind. 

 In very many instances, before the veterinarian is called in, rude and 

 misguided hands have greatly complicated the case, 'and caused so much 

 injury and swelling to the maternal organs that the difficulties of the 

 operation are increased manifold. 



But, as in every thing else, there is a right way and a wrong way of 

 operating — apart from the collateral difficulties of the operation ; and 

 though no fixed rules can be laid down for every case which requires em- 

 bryotomy, yet there are directions, based on the results of practical ex- 

 perience, which afford a general and trustworthy summary of the most 

 important points to be observed — by the young practitioner more particu- 

 larly. These directions we will now allude to, in treating of the inci- 

 sion, excision, or ablation of those parts of the foetus which are selected for 

 operation — these being the head, limbs, and body. But we must first 

 notice the instruments in actual use, or whxh are recommended for per- 

 forming embryotomy. 



Embryotomy Instruments. 



The performance of embryotomy necessitates the use of surgical ap- 

 pliances for the division, puncture, or removal of certain parts ; and as 

 these operations have to be effected either in the genital canal or in the 

 cavity of the uterus, the manipulation of cutting instruments in such a 

 confined space, under all the disadvantages of distance from the opera- 

 tor, the struggles and paralyzing straining of the mother, and the fact 

 that only one hand can be employed, and that without the aid of vision 

 to guide and direct it, renders the operations peculiarly difficult and dan- 

 gerous. These difficulties and dangers have stimulated the inventive 

 faculties of veterinarians for a long time, in devising instruments by 

 which they might operate quickly and safely, and so obviate fatigue and 

 danger to themselves, and exhaustion and risk to the parturient animal. 



It is needless to remark that many of these instruments have never 

 come into general use, either because they did not fulfil the requirements 

 claimed from them, or because they were too complicated or expensive. 

 Sometimes, also, prejudice rather conflicts with the introduction of any 

 novelty in this direction ; while long experience often enables the prac- 

 titioner to achieve the desired end with instruments which would be 

 useless, if not dangerous, in the hand of a less expert obstetrist. 



