252 BOVINE OBSTETRICS 



of the rope is now run through the loop and the loop thus 

 made is pushed by the thumb rud forefinger over the loins of 

 the calf and is drawn tightly. This loop, lying around the 

 flanks and belly, will stand strong traction. 



Harms recommends blunt hooks, 17 cm. long and 15 cm. 

 wide, having an ear on the lower end. They are placed in 

 front of the patella. A rope is run through both ears, when 

 the calf is ready for extraction in this malposition. 



Large calves ^annot be extracted in this manner. In small 

 calves reposition is possible, requiring the same efforts as the 

 application of the loop. It is better to effect reposition of the 

 retained legs in the manner already mentioned. The leg which 

 has been guided into the pelvic canal must always be fixed 

 before the other one is adjusted. When the uterus is firmly 

 contracted upon a dead calf, no time should be lost with at- 

 tempts at reposition, but partial embryotomy is indicated. 

 This confines itself to the removal of the hind legs front the 

 hip-joints. 



As soon as the hind legs are drawn out the calf may be 

 extracted by the flaps of skin or by blunt hooks placed into the 

 oval foramen or in front of the pubis. 



2. — Costal Presentations. 



These belong to the abnormal positions, where the thoracic 

 wall lies opposite to the back of the mother. The costal por- 

 tion may be present both in the anterior and posterior presen- 

 tation. 



Causes. — In the beginning of the pains, when the cervix 

 uteri is not yet completely dilated, the costal position of the 

 calf is normal, being the intrauterine presentation. There- 

 fore, in those cases where rotation is incomplete, the calf may 

 enter the parturient passage on its side, especially when the 

 uterus is distended and the pains feeble. 



Diagnosis. — In the anterior presentation the skull is turned 

 toward the lateral wall of the vagina, the fore legs and the 

 plantar surfaces are directed laterally. 



