DISEASES OF THE ORGANS OF GENERATION. 227 



parts by inflammatory exudations, the untwisting is easily 

 effected, though several successive attempts may be requisite, 

 to secure it. Suddenly constriction around the wrist gives way, 

 the water-bags enter the passage, and delivery is easy. 



Polypus in the Vagina.— A tumour growing from the walls 

 of this passage is another obstacle to parturition. By examin* 

 alion its point of attachment is found, and it should be slowly 

 twisted off, or, better still, removed by an ecraseur, an instrument 

 with a pitch-chain which is gradually tightened so as to cut 

 through the parts without loss of blood. 



WRONG PRESENTATIONS, DEFORMITIES, ETC. 



Maxims for Assisting in Difficult Parturition. — Never 

 interfere too soon. Let the water-bags burst spontaneously 

 when they have fulfilled their purpose of dilating the passages. 

 If there is no mechanical obstacle, let the foetus be expelled by 

 the unaided efforts of th« mother. Never insert the arm for 

 any purpose wiihout first smearing it with oil or fresh lard. 

 \\'hen the water-bags have ruptured and the pains have con- 

 tinued for some time without any presentation, examine. When 

 one fore-foot only and the head, or both fore feet without the 

 head, or the head without the feet, or one hind-foot without 

 the other appears, examine. Whatever part is presented should 

 be secured by a cord with a running nooze, before it is pushed 

 back to search for the others. In searching for a missing 

 member the dam should be placed with her head down-hill, 

 and if recumbent should be laid on the side opposite to that 

 on which the limb is missing. Even if the missing member is 

 reached do not attempt to bring it up during a pain. Violent 

 straining may be checked by pinching the back. If the pas- 

 sages have lost their natural lubricating mucus, smear them and 

 the body of the fcetus thickly with lard before attempting to 

 extract. In dragging upon the foetus apply force only when the 

 mother strains, and pull slightly down towards the hocks as well 



