308 DISEASES OF HORSES AND CATTLE. 



progress having been made, it will then be neces- 

 sary to make an examination with the hand. Oil 

 the hand with any kind of oil or lard and gather 

 the fingers together and introduce them into the 

 vaii inn with a rotary motion. On reaching the foe- 

 tus you will ascertain the cause of delay. In its 

 natural position a little assistance may be neces- 

 sary. This is best done by pulling gently on the 

 feet every time the animal strains. It may be 

 necessary to put a small rope on the lower jaw as 

 well as on the feet. The only obstacle which can 

 occur is that the foetus may be too large for the 

 passage of the mother; it will then require con- 

 siderable force. This can be done without any 

 danger to the mother by taking advantage of 

 every labor pain and giving time for the parts to 

 relax. On the other hand, if you find the mouth 

 of the womb closed, or not open large enough to 

 allow the foetus to pass, it will be necessary to 

 dilate it. This can sometimes be accomplished by 

 moving the fingers or hand in it. If you make no 

 progress in this way you will have to use bella- 

 donna extract, taken in on the fingers and smear 

 it over the mouth of the womb. Also give the ani- 

 mal from two to three drams of chloroform in a 

 little oil, then allow the animal a few hours' time, 

 when it usually gives way. Warm water in- 

 jected against the mouth of the womb is useful, 

 and ought to be tried when other remedies are 

 not at hand. If all means fail an operation will 

 have to be performed, which is done by making 

 three incisions, one on the upper and one on each 



