770 Veterinary Obstetrics 



from which the head is bent, and which is thereby fully exposed, 

 is the one to be selected for amputation. After the removal of 

 the anterior limb, the chest should be opened at the exposed 

 point and evisceration carried out, as described on page 658. 

 When this has been accomplished, and the fetal ribs have been 

 severed, the size of the presenting portion of the fetus is re- 

 duced to such a degree that it is now no greater with the head 

 turned back than it would have been had it presented normally. 

 It may then be drawn away with the head deviated, or what is 

 usually better, the fetus has now become very flaccid and much 

 room is gained, so that it may usually be very readily repelled 

 and the head brought into position, so that the extraction may 

 finally take place in a somewhat normal manner. 



Some operators advise, instead of subcutaneous amputation of the limb, 

 the amputation of the head and neck, which we have described on page 644. 

 We regard the amputation of the limb as an easier, quicker and safer opera- 

 tion. Should the fetus be emphysematous, it is also more efficient. If the 

 fetal body is normal, the accomplishment of either operation is efficient. 



4. Hysterotomy, or Caesarian section, is uncalled for in 

 the larger domestic animals, and usually in the sheep and goat. 

 In the smaller animals, where the correction of the deviation 

 fails, and embryotomy is not available because of the narrowness 

 of the passages, Caesarian section, as described on page 663, is 

 the only recourse, and offers a fair prognosis if undertaken at the 

 proper time and under proper conditions. 



2. Downward Deviation of the Head Between the 

 Anterior IvImbs. 



In describing the lateral deviation of the head, we did not state 

 the very evident fact that such a deviation may not be direct but 

 may be variably oblique upward or downward. Such devia- 

 tions from the direct lateral line are not materially important, 

 and offer nothing unusual for our consideration. In other in- 

 stances there is a downward deviation, in which the head passes 

 downwards between the two anterior limbs. 



We have stated, in considering the normal attitude of the fetus 

 in the uterus, that it rests with its head and neck bent ventral- 

 wards, with its chin in close proximity to or resting upon the 

 sternum. It is easy to understand that in some cases the head 

 may remain in this position, and the two anterior limbs become 

 extended and enter the pelvic canal. The head, passing down 

 between the anterior limbs, is tightly held in that position, be- 

 cause the limbs are firmly pressed together over the back of the 

 neck. 



