192 DISEASES OF CATTLE. 



the missing limb. It usually I'lappens with the proper position of the 

 body, the back of the calf being turned toward the back of the mother. 

 The head presents in the passage and may even protrude from the 

 vulva during an active labor pain, but it starts back like a spring 

 when the straining ceases. Examination with the oiled hand in the 

 intervals between the pains fails to detect the missing limbs. (PI. 

 XVI, fig. 1.) If, however, the hand can be introduced during a pain 

 it may be possible to reach the elbow or upper part of the forearm. 

 In the absence of a pain a halter or noose on the head may be used to 

 advance the whole body until the forearm can be seized just below 

 the elbow. This being firmly held and the head or body pushed back 

 into the womb, room may be secured for bringing up the knee. The 

 forearm is used as a lever, its upper part being strongly forced back 

 while its lower part is pressed forward. If a pain supervenes the 

 hold must be retained, and whatever gain has been made must be 

 held if possible. Then during the next pain, by pushing back the 

 body and continuing to operate the forearm as a lever, a still further 

 advance may be made. xVs the knee is brought up in this way, the 

 hand is slid down from the elbow toward the knee, which is finally 

 brought up over the brim of the pelvis and into the passage. It is 

 now corded at the knee, and the subsequent procedure is as described 

 in the last article. In a large, roomy cow with a small calf the latter 

 may pass with one or both forelegs bent back, but this is a very 

 exceptional case, and, as early assistance is the most successful, there 

 should never be delay in hope of such a result. 



ONE TORE LIMB CROSSED OVER THE BACK OF THE NECK. 



This is a rare obstacle to calving, but one that is not altogether 

 unknown. The hand introduced into the passage feels the head and 

 one forefoot, and further back on the same side the other foot, from 

 which the limb can be traced obliquely across the back of the neck. 

 (PI. XVI, fig. 3.) This foot, projecting transversely, is liable to 

 bruise or tear the vagina. If still deeply engaged in the vagina, it 

 may be seized and pushed across to the opposite side of the neck, 

 when the presentation will be natural. 



HEAD BENT DOWN BENEATH THE NECK. 



In tliis case, with drooping belly and womb allowing the brim of 

 the pelvis to form a ridge, the advancing calf, having unduly de- 

 pressed its nose, strikes it on the brim of the pelvis, and the neck 

 advancing, the head is bent back and the poll and ears either enter 

 the pelvis or strike against its brim. The two forefeet present, but 

 they make no progress, and the oiled hand introduced can detect no 



