284 DYSTOKIA. 



Proprietors of animals should, in their own interests, suffer no delay 

 to occur in sending for the veterinary surgeon as soon as they perceive 

 that parturition is not progressing regularly ; and they should carefully 

 abstain from any violent handling of, or traction on, the foetus which 

 might render irremediable a difficulty often easy to surmount at the 

 commencement, by anyone sufficiently acquainted with obstetrics. 



On his part, the veterinarian should not lose time in giving his 

 services ; as every minute's delay may render the case more difficult, 

 and tend to compromise the life of not only the young animal, but also 

 that of the mother, as well as the interests of the owner and his own 

 reputation. It is essential that he should be provided with certain 

 instruments, as obstetrical operations are partly performed by means of 

 these, as well as by the unarmed hand, which is, after all, the most 

 perfect instrument, and should always be preferred to instruments when 

 possible. Some operations, however, can only be undertaken with 

 instruments, and it is therefore necessary that the obstetrist be pro- 

 vided with at least those which are most useful and indispensable : such 

 as one or two knives, cords, hooks, Schaack's head-collar or some other 

 pattern, etc., and these should be so portable as to be carried in a 

 leather or canvas bag, or a small box. 



On reaching the patient, all information concerning it should be 

 gathered at once and an examination immediately made into its condition. 

 The period when labour commenced ; if the " water-bag " has ruptured, 

 and when ; if the animal has gone its full time, or exceeded it ; if it is a 

 primipara, or, if not, if its previous parturitions were favourable — all 

 these and other useful points in its history should be obtained. 



The examination should comprise : the general appearance of the 

 animal ; whether weak or strong ; the character of the j)ulse ; and the 

 nature, frequency, and intensity of the expulsive efforts ; as well as the 

 condition of the mammae, and external genital organs. After this, if 

 further examination is necessary, direct exploration of the internal 

 genital organs should be made. We have already described the mode 

 of procedure to be adopted in this exploration ; but because of its im- 

 portance, we will again notice it. 



If possible, the Mare and Cow should be examined in a standing 

 attitude, as this is the best. If, however, the animal is lying, and from 

 exhaustion or paralysis it cannot get up, then of course the examination 

 must be made in this position ; indeed, it may be advantageous to 

 examine in both positions. 



When standing, it should be approached gently and coaxingly, and 

 rigorous restraint is seldom necessary ; for the pains of labour usually 

 render the most vicious animals tractable. With the Mare it generally 

 suffices to have one of the fore-feet held up by an assistant, while the 

 examination is made ; if young and dangerous, it may be necessary to 

 employ a side-line on a hind pastern, or hobbles on both hind pasterns, 

 and perhaps a twitch on the nose. With the Cow, a strong man hold- 

 ing the animal's head is sufficient to make it stand quiet. 



Lateral movements may be prevented by placing the animal against 

 a wall or partition on one side, and a powerful man at the other side ; 

 or a man at each side. The operator must be on his guard against the 

 animal suddenly dropping, which would expose him to serious injury. 

 When the floor inclines from the tail towards the head of the animal it 

 is most favourable for an exploration, as the mass of intestines is thrown 

 forward against the diaphragm ; so that they do not press on the uterus. 



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