DIAGNOSIS AND CORRECTION OF MALPOSITIONS 221 



perature follows the operation when healing proceeds as just 

 described. In some cases peritonitis follows the operation, 

 either as a result of soiling b}- the uterine secretions or foetal 

 waters, and through infection during the operation by the 

 operator or his assistants. Peritonitis is very liable to set in 

 when eventration of the intestines occurs. At the same time 

 it is not necessarily fatal, although a doubtful prognosis should 

 be made. Peritonitis may produce extensive exudation and 

 later adhesions, leading to a subacute or even chronic course. 



II. 

 REPOSITIONS AND OPERATIONS ON THE F(ETUS. 



1.— Diagnosis and Correction of Malpositions. 



Definition. — Abnormal position. 



In the normal presentation the anterior extremities — that 

 is, the head resting upon the fore legs, or both hind legs — lie 

 in the parturient passage. In both of these positions the 

 belly of the calf is opposite to the abdomen of the cow. Such 

 a presentation is kuown as the abdominal position. 



Any position deviating from the above is abnormal. While 

 interfering frequently with birth, it need not necessarily be- 

 come a cause of dystokia. The possibility exists that the calf 

 may be born without assistance in spite of an abnormal posi- 

 tion when the cow's pelvis is wide and the foetus small. 



THE ART OP REPOSITION. 



The art of reposition deals with the abnormal positions 

 and indicates their correction. Therefore we shall discuss 

 successively : the measures to be taken by the obstetrician for 

 his own or the cow's sake, the diagnosis of abnormal presenta- 

 tions, and the rules applicable to each case. 



A precaution exercised by the obstetrician consists in the 

 proper choice of clothing while at work. A veterinarian must 

 not be afraid to soil his clothing, and should not wear expen- 



