172 THE NATURE AND TREATMENT OP 



then by bringing the fingers in contact with the mouth of tl 

 womb, it is found in an undilated, and indurated or hardened 

 state. Should the labor pains be quite strong, and no signs of 

 relaxation appearing, I should then introduce a probe-pointed 

 bistoury, or the embryotomy knife into the neck of the uterus, 

 and dilate the stricture, by making incisions, into the inner 

 border of the strictured or hardened mass ; this will allow of 

 some slight dilitation, large enough for a bladder of foetal mem- 

 brane to gain enterance ; after this takes place the labor will 

 gradually progress and if every thing goes right, as the saying 

 is, a live calf may soon be expected to make its appearance, 

 and the cow may also be expected to survive the operation. 



EMBRYOTOMY. ^ 



This operation known among medical men as embryotomy, 

 signifies dismemberment of the calf within the vagina and 

 uterus. I presume no man except he be acquainted with the 

 anatomy of the parts, would dare to attempt the dismember- 

 ment and disembowelment of a foetus. It is an operation, 

 however, which has to be performed very often, and it has 

 saved the lives of very many valuable cows, therefore I shall 

 try to " post " the reader on the subject. The instrument used 

 for this purpose is called an embryotomy knife (see cut of 

 instruments), and is introduced into the uterine cavity, concealed 

 in the hand so that its cutting edge shall not injure the genital 

 organs of the cow. 



Mode of operation. — Having introduced the knife within the 

 uterine cavity, I run my hand along the foetal limb to the top 

 of the shoulder, if possible, and there turn the knife and send 

 its beak point through the integument, and slit the same to the 

 region of the knee ; here I make a circular incision of the 

 integument around the knee ; a slip-noose is affixed to the fet- 

 lock and while an assistant is making steady traction on the 

 same, I loosen the integmuent from the limb, then by a little 

 dexterity in the use of the knife at the top of the shoulder, and 

 elsewhere, the whole leg is drawn away. After amputating the 

 shoulder, I make an incision through the cartilages of the ribs. 



