226 THE farmer's VETERINARIAN 



Manner of Delivery. — The natural position of the 

 fetus at birth calls for the fore feet forv^rard with 

 the head resting on the knees. The fore feet, there- 

 fore, in a normal delivery, are first presented and 

 then the head. If the fetus is not unduly large, 

 the mother will likely force the delivery without 

 assistance. In case the struggle Is extended gentle 

 assistance will be in order. This can be rendered 

 by a gentle pull on the legs and head. If this does 

 not bring the offspring, you can consider that some- 

 thing is wrong. However, do not be hasty, just 

 give time. Mares usually deliver in a few minutes 

 and cows often require an hour or so after labor 

 begins. If you conclude that something is wrong 

 oil the hand and arm. Shove the fetus back and 

 ascertain, if possible, the trouble. If this examina- 

 tion shows dropsy of the abdomen — water in the 

 belly — puncture the abdomen with a knife in order 

 that the fetus may be delivered. If the trouble is 

 with the head — water in the brain — puncture the 

 head that the water may run out, and then remove 

 the arm and hand. When the struggle pains come 

 on again, give a gentle pull and delivery will follow. 



Frequently the position is changed. Sometimes 

 but one fore foot appears with the head, making it 

 impossible to deliver the offspring. When a case 

 like this occurs, shove the fetus back and bring 

 the unpresented leg forward where it belongs, and 

 then likely no further trouble will result. If the 

 legs are in proper place but the head turned back- 

 ward, it will be necessary to push the fetus back 

 into the womb and bring the head forward in posi- 

 tion. In case the head resists your efforts, adjust 

 a noose over the head, and while you work with 

 your hand inside, have an assistant gently pull on 

 the rope, in order to draw the head into the proper 



