TEXT-BOOK OF VETERINAliY OBSTETIilCS. 



INTRODUCTION. 



The generation and development of animated creatm-cs is correctly 

 described as an " eminently physiological act," and one which is ordin- 

 arily carried out, from beginning to end, as a perfectly natural process, 

 and without any extraneous interference being required for its accom- 

 plishment. But, speaking now with regard to the higher orders of 

 viviparous animals, this happy termination of a most important series 

 of phenomena is not always observed ; and not infrequently various 

 causes — internal as well as external — may operate unfavourably in a 

 number of ways, and more or less imperil the perfect development or 

 existence of the young creature, or compromise the health or life of the 

 mother. More especially is this danger likely to occur when the period 

 arrives for the expulsion of the foetus from the abdomen of its parent. 



With the domesticated animals, when these obstacles to development 

 or birth intervene, in order to remove or overcome them, and assist or 

 supplement the natural eflorts, recourse must be had to artificial means, 

 and the resources of science and art are accordingly invoked. 



The term " parturition" (from 2)arturio, to bring forth) is applied to the 

 act by which the product of conception, when it has reached a certain 

 stage of development, is expelled from the body of the mother ; and this 

 act is that which is usually considered to be the most critical in the 

 existence of the young creature, and to most frequently demand atten- 

 tion in such valuable animals as the Mare, Cow, Sheep, liitch, etc. 



The parturition of the domesticated animals, and the abnormal con- 

 ditions which may precede or follow that event, come within the province 

 of Veterinary -Science, and form that division of it named " Obstetricy," 

 which has aptly been designated the " Science of Midwifery " when 

 applied to this division of human surgery. Though it is that which has 



