EMPHYSEMA OF THE F(ETUS 189 



and such a place eight to ten men pulled and successfully 

 delivered a calf. This is due to the great elasticity of the foetal 

 pelvis as well as that one of the heifer not yet completely 

 ossified, and therefore capable of some distention. 



The treatment is the same as in the foetus relatively too 

 large. When the anterior half of the calf is born, and excessive 

 traction previously practiced, embryotomy may be performed 

 immediately, consisting in the removal of the anterior extremi- 

 ties of the body, evisceration and reduction of the pelvis. 

 Some practitioners, after dividing the foetus, rotate the hind 

 legs and pull them into the -pelvic canal, where they may be 

 extracted or one leg removed. 



This is fully discussed under embryotomy. In cases where 

 the anterior portion of the calf has been born for several hours, 

 while the hindquarters are still in the pelvic canal, prognosis 

 after termination of birth is not favorable. The mechanical 

 dilatation of the parturient passage may be followed by reflec- 

 tory paralysis, in consequence of which the cow never rises or 

 only after a long time. The tension of the vaginal walls may 

 produce circulatory disturbances and gangrene. 



2.— Emphysema of the Foetus. 



Definition.— We understand by this designation a foetus 

 decomposed within the uterus, the gases of such a decomposi- 

 tion causing a general emphysema ; being of a subcutaneous, 

 intermuscular and subserous type. 



jEtiology. — The foetus may die at anytime of the period of 

 pregnancy. The causes are either found in the mother, as cir- 

 culatory disturbances— for instance, in torsio uteri— or in the 

 calf. Putrefaction can only occur where air enters so that the 

 bacteria of putrefaction may exert their influence. No putre- 

 faction takes place when the foetal membranes are intact, as 

 the bacteria cannot penetrate them (Franck). 



When the foetus dies and the waters are partially dis- 

 charged, the foetus may remain in the uterus on account of the 

 encumbered expulsion, and decomposes. Expulsion may be 



