760 Veterinary Obstetrics 



the head has passed beyond the vulva or can readily be brought 

 beyond it, the most desirable method of procedure is to resort at 

 once to decapitation, as described on page 642, and then repel. 

 The decapitation is a very simple procedure under these condi- 

 tions, decreases very greatly the amount of labor required for 

 repulsion and the time neccessary for the correction of the devi- 

 ation, and thereby very largely increases the favorable outlook 

 for the mother. 



When the head of the calf has passed beyond the vulva, its 

 prominent and blunt poll makes its repulsion more difficult than 

 that of the foal. Hence, if the head has protruded beyond the 

 vulva and the calf is dead or is of little or no value to the owner, 

 or if the conditions are such that the life of the mother will be 

 greatly jeopardized by tedious repulsion, the obstetrist, as in the 

 foal, should at once proceed with decapitation. 



Pronounced elevation of the posterior parts of the body greatly 

 facilitates repulsion. In the ewe and other small animals, the 

 patient may be almost or quite suspended by the hind legs in order 

 to favor repulsion. Tepid unctuous fluids may then be introduced 

 through the vulva into the vagina by gravity. The fluid lubri- 

 cates the walls, rendering fetal movements more easy, and the 

 weight of the liquid contributes toward repulsion. The repulsion 

 may be aided by manual force. 



Having accomplished repulsion, with or without decapitation, 

 as described on page 595, the obstetrist should first secure 

 the anterior limb, or limbs, with the hand or by means of cords. 

 First, if practicable, lift the bent carpus from beneath the pubis 

 and carry it up into the pelvic canal. Then place a cord upon 

 the pastern as described on page 579. When this has been 

 secured, the operator proceeds to extend the limb as described on 

 page 636. 



As soon as the toe has been brought into the birth canal, the 

 foot is quickly extended, and the entire anterior limb is brought 

 into complete extension by traction. The other forefoot, if 

 retained, is handled in the same manner. 



If the head is also deviated, it is to be handled according to the 

 directions given under C on page 765. After proper adjustment 

 of the relations between the two anterior limbs and the head, the 

 delivery is proceeded with in the usual manner. 



When this deviation occurs in the dorso-ilial or dorso-pubic 



