180 



tho intestines; and finally, by means of the loose, detached skin, 

 draw out the body Avith the remainder of the hind-limbs bent forward 

 beneath it. 



Renff cuts his way into the pelvis of the foal, and with a knife 

 separates the pelvic bones from the loins, then skinning the quarter 

 draws out these pelvic bones by means of ropes and hooks, and along 

 with them the hind-limbs. 



The hind-limbs having been removed by one or the other of these 

 procedures, the loose skin detached from the pelvis is used as a means 

 of traction and delivery is effected. If it has been a monstrosity with 

 extra hind-limbs, it may be possible to bring these up into the passage 

 and utilize them for traction. 



Beinoval of the ahdominal viscera. — In case where the belly is 

 unduly large, from decomposition, tumors, or otherwise, it may be 

 needful to lay it oj^en with the knife and cut or tear out the contents. 



Removal of the thoracic viscera. — To diminish the bulk of the chest 

 it has been found advisable to cut out the breast-bone, remove the 

 heart and lungs, and allow the ribs to collapse with the lower free 

 ends overlaj)i)ing each other. 



Dissection of the triinlc. — In ease it becomes necessa^-y to remove 

 other portions of the trunk, the general rule should be followed of 

 preserving the skin so that all manipulations can be made inside this 

 as a i^rotector, that it may remain available as a means of exercising 

 traction on the remaining parts of the body, and as a covering to 

 protect the vaginal walls against injuries from bones while such part 

 is passing. 



FLOODING — BLEEDING FROM THE WOMB. 



This is rare in the mare, but not unknown, in connection with a 

 failure of the womb to contract on itself after parturition, or with 

 eversion of the womb (casting the withers), and congestion or lacera- 

 tion. If the blood accumulates in the flaccid womb the condition 

 may only be suspected by reason of the rapidly advancing weakness, 

 swaying, unsteady gait, hanging head, paleness of the eyes and other 

 mucous membranes, and weak, small, failing pulse. The hand intro- 

 duced into the w^omb detects the presence of the blood partly clotted. 

 If the blood escapes 'by the vulva the condition is evident. 



Treatment consists in evacuating the womb of its blood clots, giving 

 a large dose of powdei-ed ergot of rye, and in the application of cold 

 water or ice to tlie loins and external generative organs. Besides this 

 a sponge impregnated with a strong solution of alum, or, still better, 

 with tincture of muriate of iron, may be introduced into the womb and 

 squeezed so as to bring the liquid in contact with the w^alls generally. 



EVERSION OF THE WOMB. 



IL" llie womb fails to contract after difficult parturition, the after- 

 pains Avill sometimes lead to the fundus passing into the body of the 



