158 BOVINE OBSTETRICS 



cord, as only the broad ligament of that side toward which 

 rotation occurred is tightened. In order to make a diagnosis 

 the standing posture of the cow is preferable ; but, should we 

 only wish to enter the uterus, the recumbent position of the 

 cow is of advantage. In right torsion the animal is placed on 

 the right side and the right hand employed in exploration. 



[The following rule might be remembered : When the 

 dorsal surface of the hand turns to the right, the torsion is 

 to the right, or vice versa. — W.] 



In consequence of the constriction and tension of the 

 broad uterine ligaments, the flow of blood in the uterine artery 

 is obstructed and should be followed by increased pulsations. 

 The artery of that ligament which is tensest should therefore 

 pulsate more strongly ; thus, in right torsion, the right uterine 

 artery ; in left torsion, the left artery (Meyer.) Theoretically 

 this is correct and would be an excellent diagnostic point to 

 define the direction of the torsion. In practice, however, while 

 feeling pulsations through the vaginal wall, it is only too often 

 difficult to recognize whether the pulsations come from the 

 uterine artery or not. Nevertheless, a strong pulsation or 

 throbbing (Schmidt) on one side may lead us to surmise that 

 the rotation occurred in that direction. This, together with 

 direction of the cords, may complete the diagnosis. 



The latter phenomenon is absent in a torsion of long stand- 

 ing. It is only met with in recent cases and in that respect 

 may be a prognostic symptom of the greatest importance. 



Course. — It happens occasionally that torsion is corrected 

 spontaneously (Mosching). This rare termination may take 

 place in rotations of 90 degrees, or, at the utmost, 180 degrees, 

 occurring in the preliminary stage. Factors favorable to this 

 spontaneous correction are : elevation of the hind parts, thus 

 giving the pregnant uterus more room ; and active foetal move- 

 ments. A rotation of 90 degrees may also be corrected by 

 rupture of the water-bag, followed by partial evacuation of the 

 foetal water and consecpiently room for retorsion (Goring). 



Torsion of 90 degrees creates but little circulatory dis- 

 turbance ; which is soon compensated by collateral circulation, 



