188 BOVINE OBSTETRICS 



convincing ourselves that the cervix uteri is fully dilated, vulva 

 and vagina are oiled and the tail of the calf is pulled to one 

 side during extraction. The hind legs are corded at the 

 fetlocks. 



In many cases we can estimate on exploration the tro- 

 chanteric diameter of the calf and the transverse pelvic diam- 

 eter. An approximate mensuration by hand of the various 

 dimensions enables us sometimes to decide upon the possi- 

 bility of extraction. One man takes care of a hind leg. While 

 both men pull at the same time, each on one leg, the obste- 

 trician guides both ropes and t;ikes care that traction is 

 exerted in the right direction. When this method is unsuccess- 

 ful, two men pull on one leg, drawing it out as far as possible. 

 After the hock of the leg has thus passed beyond the vulva, and 

 the fetlock of the other leg just projects at the vulva, the leg 

 drawn out most is fixed by a man — that is, held in place to 

 prevent its return. Now the other leg is extracted, and in 

 many instances the trochanteric diameter slips obliquely 

 through the vertical diameter of the pelvic inlet, and the pos- 

 terior half of the body can be delivered. The cords are next 

 attached above the hocks, traction is exerted on both hind 

 legs, and parturition is finished. This method, often yielding 

 good results, should always be given a trial. Where extraction 

 does not succeed, partial, or total, embiyotomy must be per- 

 formed. 



The foetus relatively too large exceeds the dimensions of the 

 pelvic canal. The calf may be normally developed, but is too 

 large for the constricted pelvis. We often see it in primiparse, 

 the two-year-old heifer. The only obstacle in such a juvenile 

 pelvis lies in the decreased diameter between the cotyloid 

 cavities. At the same time it may happen that the calf is 

 absolutely too large. On account of the small head and for.' 

 legs lying in the vulva, the owner imagines the calf of ordinary 

 size, and often exerts violent traction. In some cases he is 

 successful; in many cases the calf is only boi'D as far as the 

 withers, as the trochanteric diameter oannot pass the pelvic 

 inlet or pelvic canal. We are often told in practice that at such 



