1036 Veterinary Obstetrics 



attempts at resuscitation will prove of no avail. If the heart still 

 beats, there may be hope that the asphyxia can be overcome. 

 The attendant should attempt to induce artificial respiration by 

 such means as are at hand. In some cases, like those related 

 above in the pig, there may be present in the larynx a clot of 

 mucus, which should be removed. This mucus might be dis- 

 lodged by drawing forcibly upon the tongue and then suddenly 

 releasing it, and continuing this operation as long as may seem 

 prudent. In the usual case of asphyxia, respiration may be 

 favored by alternately compressing and relaxing the chest with 

 the hands, or by extending the anterior limbs alternately forward 

 and backward. 



It has been suggested that a tube might be passed through the 

 nostril and larynx into the trachea, and amniotic or allantoic 

 fluids drawn off which have been inhaled prior to the expulsion 

 of the fetus. Such suggestion is based upon an error. If the 

 fetus has inhaled amniotic fluid before its expulsion, it will be 

 very quickly absorbed from the lungs and will cease to act as an 

 impediment to respiration almost immediately, and consequently 

 need not be taken into account in any measures for inducing 

 artificial respiration. Suspending the asphyxiated young by the 

 hind legs tends to stimulate respiration by inducing cerebral en- 

 gorgement with venous blood, and incidentally any fluids in the 

 lungs may freely escape. 



One of the most efficient means for inducing respiration is the 

 alternating electric current, but unfortunately as a rule such ap- 

 paratus is not at hand at the critical moment. In many instances 

 a sharp blow upon the nose or other sensitive part tends to induce 

 respiratory effort. It has also been suggested that dilation and 

 irritation of the anus will tend to produce inspiratory effort. 

 In a similar manner one may stimulate efforts at breathing by 

 dashing cold water upon the skin of the animal. It has also 

 been suggested that respiration be stimulated by the inhalation of 

 ammonia fumes ; but the efficiency of this plan may well be 

 doubted so long as no respiration is taking place, because the 

 fumes cannot well be introduced into the nostril except with the 

 aid of inspiration. 



It has also been advised that the lungs be inflated by means of 

 bellows, applied to one nostril while the other is closed ; but 

 this is not necessarily effective, because the larynx may be closed 



