782 Veterinary Obstetrics 



is thus lying in the position of ordinary sternal recumbency, with 

 the hind feet closely doubled immediately beneath the body. 



The cause of this displacement is not far to seek. In discuss- 

 ing the normal position of the fetus in the uterus, we have noted 

 that it usually lies with its hind legs folded beneath its abdomen. 

 When parturition occurs, the limbs should, under normal condi- 

 tions, become extended, so that in a posterior presentation the 

 most advanced part should be the two hind feet. When this ex- 

 tension fails to take place, and the fetus is forced toward the 

 pelvic inlet in the position in which it has previously lain, the 

 points of the ossa calces naturally become caught against the pubic 

 brim, or advance fora short distance in the pelvic canal, and stop 

 further progress in the expulsion of the fetus. 



Handling, i. The correction of the deviation should in all 

 cases be undertaken if, in the judgment of the obstetrist, it can 

 be properly accomplished. The overcoming of the deviation 

 consists first in the repulsion of the fetus obliquely forward and 

 upward, as described on page 595. The mother should prefer- 

 ably be in the standing position, with the hind parts elevated. 

 If unable to rise, she should be placed in lateral recumbency, or 

 sometimes still better, in the dorsal position, still applying the 

 rule of keeping the posterior portions of the mother higher. 

 When the repulsion has been accomplished, the extension of the 

 limbs is to be carried out as described on page 636. 



2. Forced extraction has been suggested by some operators, although 

 neither its advantages nor safety have been clearly demonstrated. As a 

 general rule the so-called forced extraction in this position really involves 

 partial embryotomy by the severing of the tendo-Achilles, which, by permit- 

 ting dorsal flexion at the fetlock, ameliorates the dystokia. In our judg- 

 ment forced extraction is never necessary, and rarely if ever justifiable, even 

 with the severing of the tendo-Achilles. 



3. Embryotomy occasionally becomes necessary or desirable. 

 In case of a very large foal, or when the foal or calf is dead and 

 emphysematous, and especially in those cases where the patient 

 is unable or unwilling to stand, it may be impossible, or at least 

 impracticable, to adjust the position, and consequently embry- 

 otomy must be performed. 



Embryotomy in these cases is very simple, consisting merely 

 of the amputation of the foot with the chisel, through the lower 

 portion of the tarsus, as described on page 651. 



4. Caesarian section, page 663, may become necessary iu the 



