688 Vete^inaiy Obstetrics 



extraction or other means for bringing about delivery. If it is 

 probable that forced extraction would cause more or less exten- 

 sive ruptures in the cervix, the veterinarian may often guide and 

 control these injuries by means of proper incisions. When the 

 induration or atresia involves only the vaginal projection of the 

 cervix, and the anterior portion is normal, the operation is 

 simple and readily performed. 



In such a case the operator introduces a scalpel or bistoury 

 and makes one, two or three incisions in an upward or lateral 

 direction, sufficient to bring about the required dilation of the 

 part. The depth, number and direction of the incisions must be 

 based upon the amount of dilation required and upon the thick- 

 ness of the muscular walls. The direction of the incisions 

 should usually be upward or to the right or left. It is better 

 that they should be numerous rather than deep, because, if a 

 certain degree of dilation is to be attained and but one incision is 

 made and the fetus is then forced into the rigid cervix, the 

 yielding will take place almost exclusively at the one point 

 weakened by the incision, while the other portions remain un- 

 dilated, thus leading to an extensive and dangerous rupture. 



After the incisions have been completed, the presenting ex- 

 tremities of the fetus should be secured and properly placed, 

 the cervical canal freely lubricated, and the fetus slowly and 

 cautiously extracted. 



After the extraction of the fetus, careful examination of the 

 cervix should be made for perforating wounds into the peritoneal 

 cavity. If the organ is intact and the fetus has been dead and 

 has begun to decompose, it may be desirable to flush out the 

 uterine cavity with an anti.septic solution. If there is a pene- 

 trant wound into the peritoneal cavity, the introduction of an anti- 

 septic in a large volume is exceedingly dangerous and improper, 

 and other means should be taken for cleansing the uterus. Any 

 liquids present may be drawn off by means of a siphon. The 

 fetal membranes should be removed as promptly as is practicable, 

 and if they cannot be removed with safety they should be kept 

 as nearly antiseptic or aseptic as is possible, by the introduction 

 of liquid disinfectants, or dry antiseptics such as powdered boric 

 acid or iodoform. 



Caesarian Section. Finally, if forced extraction and the 

 surgical dilation of the cervix are each impracticable, Caesarian 



