GEN ERA L COXSIDKIL / TK >\S. 287 



on each side, and offers the calcis as an unmistakable f;uide. Thei-e is 

 also a diflerence in the shape of the feet. 



The explorer should take time to assure himself of the real state of 

 atTairs, and conduct his examination with all the care, attention, and 

 ^'entleness possible. The ftrtus may present in a variety of positions, 

 in which hind and fore limbs may offer first, either alone or together ; 

 and in the case of twins or monstrosities, the limbs of ditTeront crea- 

 tures may be encountered at the same time. If the presentation is 

 anterior, the head will be met with, and this is distinguished by the 

 presence of the mouth, eyes, and ears ; if it is a posterior presentation, 

 then we have the rounded croup, tail, hocks, and external genital 

 organs. In other presentations, the neck is recognised by the mane, if 

 it be a Foal, in addition to its shape, whether Foal or Calf ; the 

 shoulders by the acromion processes and withers ; the chest, by the 

 ribs and intercostal spaces ; and so on. In addition to all this, the 

 obstetrist should judge at the same time of the volume of the foetus, 

 and its proportions. This is particularly necessary in the case of mon- 

 strosities ; and in some instances it is most dillicult to decide what the 

 hand may alight upon in such an examination. Kopp alludes to the 

 case of a Mare which he examined during parturition, when he found a 

 foetus affected with hydrocephalus to such a degree, that for a long time 

 he thought the head was the thorax. 



It cannot be too strongly impressed upon the minds of those who 

 are commencing obstetric practice, that such an exauiination should 

 be so complete as to furnish all the requirements of a sound diagnosis, 

 on which the indications for affording assistance can b- readily based ; 

 and this exploration can only be said to be complete when the obstetrist 

 is as well acquainted with the position of the ftotus and the obstacles 

 to its birth, as if he had scrutinized the whole with his eyes. 



Then he can decide as to the measures which are indicated by his 

 diagnosis, in order to bring the young creature into one of the best 

 positions for delivery — either natural or artificial — so that this may be 

 effected with certainty and rapidity. 



These measures being decided upon, a methodical jn-ocedure is as 

 necessary in carrying them out, as in exploring the vagina and uterus. 

 The required assistants should be selected, and to each should bo 

 allotted his share in the operation, in which he ought to be instructed 

 briefly and clearly ; the instruments, cords, and other apparatus ought 

 next to be placed m readiness ; and then the task may be begun. 

 When this is once commenced, it should be conducted with prudence, 

 and yet with decision, all irrational and unnecessary manci-uvres being 

 avoided ; while every precaution being at the same time observed, tliere 

 should be no fear of irritating the organs or textures by manipulation, 

 as they appear to be endowed with a greater amount of tolerance at 

 this than at any other time. 



In such cases, the operator should bear in mind that his task is 

 to remove or overcome everything whicli suspends, hinders, or inter- 

 feres with the natural course of parturition, and to bring this as near 

 as possible to a normal termination. He should understand and appre- 

 ciate the part Nature plays in this act ; only seeking to second her 

 efforts so long as she is competent to attain the desired end, by remov- 

 ing any obstacles in the way. When Nature's efforts cease to be effec- 

 tive, tliey should be imitated as closely as possible ; and no more ought 

 to be attempted than Nature herself would have accomplished under 



