GENERAL RULES FOR EMBRYOTOMY 263 



1.— General Rules for Embryotomy. 



Embryotomy under certain circumstances is a pretty dan- 

 gerous operation for tiie parent. In itself it is not dangerous, 

 but when birth is protracted complications may follow which 

 endanger the life of the cow. The measures to be taken in 

 each case serve to prevent these complications. 



The cow miist lie on the rigid side. Embryotomy ought not 

 to be performed in the standing animal. It is dangerous to 

 operate with long instruments when the calf's position devi- 

 ates from the line of extraction. The position upon the right 

 side is necessary on account of the diagonal position of the 

 rumen. This pressure is transmitted to the diaphragm and 

 causes dyspnoea. The weight of the calf also interferes with 

 the function of the rumen and may give rise to tympanitis. 



The hindquarters of the cow must be raised; anyway, "they 

 should not be lower than the anterior extremity of the body. 

 These are elevated by placing two bundles of straw trans- 

 versely beneath the hind legs, each bundle being tied with 

 three cords. This elevation is of advantage to the operator, 

 as the calf is not pushed against the pelvic inlet. 



The operation, whenever possible, should be performed within 

 the uterus, and not in the pelvis. Since the various manipula- 

 tions demand room, the parts wedged in the pelvis must be 

 repelled. When it is possible to draw parts to be removed 

 outside the vulva, it should not be omitted. 



The obstetrician must practice to operate with the hand 

 as much as possible. After some practice, the skin can be 

 separated on many places by hand. 



To perform embryotomy but few instruments are required. 

 Anyone used to operate with a limited number of instruments 

 often obtains better results than he who employs complicated 

 instruments. A great deal depends on the instruments one is 

 used to handling. The main thing is a systematic execution, 

 according to a rational plan to be developed for each case. 



Traction should be exerted by one assistant. The obstet-, 

 rician must not pull. He must spare his energies for the 



