222 BOVINE OBSTETRICS 



sive clothing when practicing obstetrics. Many suggest the 

 mere removal of the coat and tucking up of the sleeves. This 

 is impractical and insufficient, as the underwear bulges at the 

 upper arm, thus interfering with the introduction of the arm 

 and exploration. At the same time it is apt to slip and become 

 wet. It is best to wear a flannel shirt and another one with- 

 out sleeves ; further, an ordinary vest, when necessary, over it, 

 a sleeveless blouse, and a pair of old breeches. Some use 

 knee pads, consisting of leather, with buckle and strap. They 

 are fastened about the knee in the same manner as knee pads 

 on the horse. These knee pads are very nice, preventing the 

 knees from getting wet, especially for veterinarians who are 

 called on to do obstetrical work while attending to their regular 

 route. 



The dangers to which the obstetrician is exposed are 

 either direct or indirect ones, as kicking or falling of the ani- 

 mal, or infections. 



It is rarely necessary to secure the cow; an assistant 

 holds the tail and pays attention that the arm of the veteri- 

 narian is not soiled by faeces. Should it be necessary to put 

 the cow on her back, the fore and hind legs are fastened sepa- 

 rately and held by assistants. 



When an exploration is made on the standing cow, we 

 must keep an eye on her constantly, to prevent fracture of the 

 arm as she suddenly drops. 



The infection which frequently threatens the obstetrician 

 consists of a pustulous exanthema of the arms and hands. 

 Some people are •especially susceptible to it. It is often seen 

 after delivering a decomposing foetus, a so-called emphysema- 

 tous calf, although the obstetrician may become infected by 

 dead and not yet decomposing foetus (Plessow). Experience 

 teaches that no immunization occurs after recovery from the 

 infection, but that it increases susceptibility. 



Symptoms. — About ten to sixteen hours after delivering 

 the calf, the arm and hand begin to itch, usually first below 

 the ulna. On close examination many little spots of pin-head 

 size are observed, especially where the hair is. The itching 



