286 



BOVINE OBSTETRICS 



outside the vulva while executing the above. At the same 

 time it is necessary that one can reach the posterior border of 

 the broad pelvic ligaments and base of the tail and coxo- 

 femoral articulation. Any connective tissue fibres which 

 might be present are torn with the hand or with the probe- 

 pointed sharp hook. Next the long, sharp and probe-pointed 

 hook is passed under the skin as far as the base of the tail. 

 The probe-pointed portion is pushed downward on the side of 

 the tail until its cutting edge is directed against the pelvic 

 ligament. Pulling the hook now strongl}-, the broad pelvic 

 ligament and muscles of the croup are severed as far as the 



Fig. 67 



sacro-iliac articulation. In order to draw the hook through 

 the joint, it is given a quarter turn, so that the probe -point is 

 directed outwards. A strong pull with the hook splits the 

 joint. The rotation of the hook is necessary considering the 

 direction of the sacral wings. 



The instrument is inserted in the same manner to cut 

 through the broad pelvic ligament, muscles of the oroup and 

 sacro-iliac articulation. 



An assistant may now extract the back, loins, sacrum and 

 tail when a loop is placed well back around the vertebra] 

 column. The tail is pulled out of the skin ( fig. 67). 



