PARTIAL EMBRYOTOMY 271 



diameter is excessive, one or both fore legs are amputated, 

 thus allowing the thorax to pass the parturient passage. This 

 wedging of the calf is frequent. The head and fore legs 

 rest in the vagina, and the withers in front of the pelvic inlet. 



When the hind legs lie in the pelvic canal and the distance 

 between the calf's trochanters exceeds the pelvic diameter, the 

 removal of one hind leg and possibly one half of the pelvis of 

 that side may be indicated. 



Partial embryotomy is indicated in many cases. Those 

 cases most frequently encountered in practice shall be dis- 

 cussed more closely. 



Before doing so I wish to lay stress upon the fundamental 

 rule : Operate subcutaneously whenever possible. Dismem- 

 bering of the foetus is preferable to any other method. While 

 it may take a little longer than the other method, that is, 

 simple incision, where the skin is removed with the part of 

 the body, it always has a greater tendency to lead to a more 

 successful termination. 



It is often astonishing how little the cow suffers by this 

 operation, sometimes occupying three to four hours. It often 

 happens that she lies quietly and ruminates while the surgeon 

 operates. Embryotomy properly performed causes the animal 

 little suffering. After it is finished she gets up, and in mos,t 

 cases but little after treatment becomes necessary. 



The obstetrician has a serious task. He must be possessed 

 of thorough anatomical and obstetrical knowledge, must act 

 with judgment and show great endurance while operating. 

 He must never be wanting in patience. 



THE SUBCUTANEOUS REMOVAL OF ONE FORE LEG IN 

 THE PELVIC CANAL. 



The fore leg to be removed must lie in the parturient 

 passage, the claws and fetlocks in the vulva. On exploration 

 with the hand and arm, the whole leg as far as the withers 

 must be within reach. 



When head and fore legs lie in the canal, it is impossible 

 to remove one fore leg for want of room. The calf must be re- 



