DIAGNOSIS AND CORRECTION OF MALPOSITIONS 225 



our knowledge, and can demand that all means known to 

 science be applied. The obstetrician, therefore, is in duty 

 bound to omit nothing which may hasten or bring about a 

 favorable termination. 



The first point to be observed is sufficient room and light. 

 When no room exists we must do the best we can, but when 

 present, there is no excuse for working in a limited space be- 

 tween other animals. The cow is taken to another place, or, 

 should this be impossible, the adjoining cows are to be 

 removed. While the owner may not like such changes at first, 

 he will soon see that the treatment in this way is assisted and 

 made easier. 



The attention of the beginner must be drawn to the fact 

 that practical actions and plodding in the dirt are not alike, 

 but that he is practical who uses the means within his reach 

 properly and artfully. Since most births occur in the evening 

 or at night, care should be taken to provide sufficient light. It 

 is foolish to say that light is a secondary consideration, since 

 parturition takes place in the dark anyway. The obstetrician 

 must see the whole animal and prevent, if necessary, an event- 

 ual tympanitis, by straightening the cow and overlooking his 

 assistants. 



Straw or hay, etc., must be handy in sufficient quantities 

 to make a soft bedding. Elevation of the hindquarters of the 

 cow assists greatly in the work. The obstetriciau may carry in- 

 fection from one cow to the other. This is done by hands and 

 arms insufficiently cleansed, or shirt sleeves soiled at a previous 

 case, but also by ropes and instruments. The obstetrician 

 may also infect a cow when previously engaged in the removal 

 of an emphysematous foetus and decomposing secundines, 

 without taking the necessary precautions. 



Diagnosis of the Abnormal Position. — A correct diagnosis is 

 half the reposition. When this is duly considered, matters are 

 less difficult than they appear to be. While it often requires 

 great pains to recognize the position of the calf, no doubt in 

 regard to it should exist. When matters are left to chance, 

 disappointments are apt to follow. Only after a thorough 



