BLISTEES. 1027 



pelvis. It must be pushed well in, and the hind feet, if possible, 

 secured and brought into the passage. Often, however, it is very 

 difficult to do, when, as recommended by Prof! Dick, "the con- 

 tents of the abdomen must be removed at the rectum ; the pelvis 

 divided at the symphysis, when a cord being attached, and force 

 used, the hind legs will get into the place of the viscera, and the 

 quarters collapse so as to allow of extraction." The whole four 

 feet may be presented in the passage ; the simplest way of deliver- 

 ing in this case is to feel for the hocks, and slip loops -on the hind 

 feet ; and by pushing back the fore ones, it may be removed by 

 the hind legs. 



It is impossible to describe minutely the details of procedure 

 in these cases, as, from difference in collateral circumstances, such 

 as size, age, length of time she has been in labour, swelling of the 

 parts, etc., etc., different plans of treatment must suggest them- 

 selves to the operator. The principles to be observed are these: 

 endeavor to get it into its natural position, in which position it is 

 easiest delivered ; failing in that, to get it into the next easiest, 

 viz., the hind legs first that impracticable, to remove those parts 

 of the foal which offer most resistance, care being taken in so do- 

 ing not to bruise or lacerate the mare. In no circumstances are 

 tact, coolness, and steady perseverance more required than in a 

 protracted case of labour; however, the dictates of humanity no 

 less than professional duty demand that we shrink not from the 

 most difficult. 



BLISTERS. 



Before a blister is applied, the hair must be cut off from the 

 part as closely as possible. The blistering ointment is then to be 

 well rubbed into the part with the hand ; and after this has been 

 continued about ten minutes, some of the ointment may be 

 smeared on the part. In blistering the legs, the tender part of 

 the heel, under the fetlock joint, is to be avoided; it may be better 

 to rub a little hog's lard or vaseline on it, in order to defend it 

 from any of the blisters that may accidentally run down from the 

 leg. When the legs are blistered, v all the litter should be removed 

 from the stall, and the horse's head should be carefully secured, to 

 prevent his rubbing the blistered parts with his nose. On the 

 third day he may have a cradle put around his neck, and be 



