240 BOVINE OBSTETRICS 



(c) ABNORMAL POSITIONS OF THE HEAD. 



Malpositions of the bead are frequently seen in obstetrical 

 practice. 



Causes.— One of tbe main causes is found in tbe persist- 

 ence of tbe intrauterine position on account of insufficient 

 uterine contractions. Incomplete dilatation of the cervix uteri 

 may cause the head to turn over in spite of sufficient rotation 

 of the calf, when tbe anterior limbs have already entered into 

 the vagina. Again, it is frequently produced when the owner 

 pulls on the fore legs while the calf is still in the costal pre- 

 sentation. There are people who immediately roll up the 

 sleeves after tbe water-bag has ruptured, pass the band into 

 the vagina and fix the fore legs. Complete rotation has not yet 

 taken place at that time. Tbe calf is still partially in the 

 costal presentation, in consequence of which tbe head easily 

 turns over when traction is exerted upon the fore legs. 



The head resting against the shoulder. 



Diagnosis.— Both fore legs rest in the pelvic canal, but one 

 has progressed a little further than tbe other one. On explo- 

 ration, the side of the neck is felt by gliding over tbe anterior 

 face of the legs, palpating laterally, the ears, and further on 

 tbe eyes and nose are detected. 



This abnormal position is often seen in cows with a pen- 

 dulous abdomen. 



Treatment. — Reposition is easy when the calf lives ; first, 

 because the uterus has not firmly contracted ; and secondly, 

 because living calves change tbe position of tbe body by their 

 movements, thus assisting an adjustment. After both fore 

 legs have been fixed by cording them above the fetlocks, the 

 lower jaw is grasped with the band by placing the thumb into 

 the month and tbe index finger below tbe jaw. By pulling 

 toward the operator the head is brought upon the fore legs, 

 and traction is exerted on them. After the bead is once in the 

 pelvic canal, it is held there by tbe hand to keep the mouth 

 upon tbe metacarpal bones. 



