318 DISEASES OP HORSES AND CATTLE. 



the opposite fore limb, let the operator pass his 

 hand firmly gainst the withers, and the assistants 

 pull on the rope on the other side of the limb. Usu- 

 ally the foetus will turn easily, then bring head 

 and feet into the passage and deliver as above de- 

 scribed. If all our efforts should fail to turn the 

 foetus, bring the head and fore legs into the pas- 

 sage. I find cases of this kind facilitated by using 

 lard or oil to the parts as well as to the foetus. By 

 pulling well up and using considerable force I have 

 succeeded in delivering in this position without in- 

 juring the mother. There is less danger to the life 

 of the mother by using well-directed force than by 

 having recourse to the cutting away of the foetus. 

 Plate 15. — Another very common presentation 

 is where the back and tail only can be felt. This is 

 considered a very difficult case to deliver, especial- 

 ly in the mare. I do not find much trouble in this, 

 as the head of the foetus is usually in the 

 fore part of the womb. By putting the animal into 

 the proper position and pushing the foetus for- 

 ward, it turns to a certain extent, which brings 

 the hind legs up toward the passage. Feel for the 

 hind feet, and if you cannot reach them put a rope 

 around the hock, let the assistant pull on the rope 

 while the operator pushes back the breach or hips 

 of the foetus. When this is accomplished remove 

 rope to the fetlock. While the assistant is pulling 

 on the rope the operator will take the foot of the 

 foetus in his hand to prevent it from injuring the 

 womb; when the two hind feet are brought into 

 the passage feel for the tail; the operator will pull 



