248 BOVINE OBSTETRICS 



3. An assistant repels the calf while the operator adjusts 

 the retained leg. 



Anybody correcting this malposition for the first time must 

 pay special attention to point 2. When the calf is to be pushed 

 back by an assistant, he should place the hand against the 

 ischium, so that the thumb aud index finger are on either side 

 and below the tail. The assistant uses the right, the obstetri- 

 cian the left arm, or vice versa. The assistant, when able to 

 reach the fetlock of the retained leg, should press it upward 

 and forward. The obstetrician seizes the strongly flexed fet- 

 lock, and, by drawing the hand toward the vulva, guides the 

 leg into the pelvic canal. "When reposition by hand proves 

 impossible, the fetlock of the retained leg may be looped. Now 

 the calf is repelled by pressing with the hand the fetlock up- 

 ward and forward ; traction is at the same time practiced on 

 the cord and the leg enters the pelvic canal. 



Should all the methods previously mentioned fail, the cow 

 is placed into a dorsal position, also raising the hindquarters. 

 The retained leg is then mostly accessible and, if necessary, the 

 fetlock is corded. Severe traction must not be employed here, in 

 order to draw the leg into the pelvic canal. The hand not en- 

 gaged in the vagina does the pulling, and an assistant is not to 

 be trusted. 



Should the uterus here descend to the extent that the 

 retained hind leg cannot be reached when the cow stands or 

 lies on the side, the dorsal position is to be employed. 



One hind leg in the parturient passage, lite other flexed at tin' hock 



in the pelvic canal. 



(Unilateral hock presentation, Harms.) 



Diagnosis. — One-half of the metatarsal bone of one hind leg 

 projects beyond the vulva. On exploration, the flexed tarsus 

 of the other hind leg is felt, its tibia lying toward the pelvic 

 outlet and the shin-bone firmly against the floor of the pelvis. 



This position is usually produced when the owner pulls on 

 the hind leg normally presented, while the hock of the retained 

 leg was resting upon the anterior border of the pubis. 



