NECESSARY AID IX XORMAL PAIITURITIOX. 263 



an unfavourable position, the anterior extremities of one should be 

 sou^lit for (recognised by the knees, and to a certain extent by the 

 pasterns), or the hind limbs (recognised by the pasterns and hocks) if 

 they are convenient for the purpose, and traction exercised as in the 

 case of a single fojtus, and according to the directions given above, 

 taking care to keep the other fietus out of the way. Should it not be 

 possible to extract this fcctus, it may be that certain parts of tlae other 

 stop its progress, or that the expulsive forces are expended on the latter, 

 although it is farthest from the os. It is tlien necessary to push back 

 and turn the former, and endeavour to extract it by the extremity 

 opposite to tliat which was first tried. But if the fore limbs have been 

 got into the passage, as well as the head, the position need not be 

 changed, the procedure being then the same as for a fuetus dispropor- 

 tionately large. 



Another remark is with reference to the operator. In exploring tlie 

 genital passages, gentleness and tact should be scrupulously observed, 

 and the hand and arm ought to be well oiled, the nails of the lingers being 

 cut at least moderately short. It requires some experience to be able to 

 ascertain, by the sense of touch, what parts of the foitus present, and 

 those which are an obstacle to birth ; as well as knowledge to guide 

 one in placing the parts in a favourable position, and particularly in 

 one whieli approaches what we have designated the "natural" presenta- 

 tion. The time chosen for exploration should be tlie interval between 

 the labour pains, and care must be taken not to rupture the membranes, 

 if they are still intact. The exploration may be made while the 

 animal is standing or lying ; both positions have certain advantages, 

 though the lirst is generally preferable, and is certainly less fatiguing. 



It must not be forgotten that, when traction is required, this should 

 be slow and moderate, and only applied when the animal itself makes 

 expulsive elTorts. In many cases tiie resistance to be overcome is often 

 very slightly superior to the forces exerted by the parturient animal. 

 Violent and" sudden traction is to be deprecated, as it may inflict serious 

 injury, while doing little, if anything, in aiding delivery ; and even 

 should this be etTected, it must be remembered that the contractile 

 power of the uterus is deranged when the contents of the organ are 

 attempted to be suddenly and forcibly removed. The simplest and 

 safest traction is that made by the hands of the operator — for both 

 hands may, in some cases, be introduced into the vagina. Should he 

 not have suQicient strength or purchase, an assistant may clasp him 

 around tlie chest and pull at and with him— gradually and steadily 

 during the throes. But we shall recur to this subject again. 



B. Aftku I.Anoru. — The attention to be paid to the mother after 

 parturition will ditTer not only according to the species to which it 

 belongs, but also according to its temperament, strength, and the kind 

 of labour which it has undergone. When this has been natural, and the 

 animal is vigorous and not much fatigued, simple hygienic measures are 

 all that is necessary. It should be kept comfortable, with plenty of pure 

 air, but away from draughts. If it has been perspiring, the body, and par- 

 ticularly the belly, should be well wisped if it is a large animal ; indeed 

 this friction is always to be recommended, as it often allays the restless- 

 ness which sometimes persists after delivery ; it also regulates the circu- 

 lation, and appears to hasten the retraction of the uterus. It may be 

 necessary to cover the body with a blanket, as the animal is very sus- 



