294 MATERNAL DYSTOKIA. 



A case has occurred in my own experience, in which an aged Mare, nearly white, 

 belonging to a friend, was, on my recommendation, taken by a farmer, who attempted 

 to breed from it ; but at the termination of pregnancy, and during parturition, it died 

 without giving birth to the Foal. 



When opened, it was found that delivery could not take place owing to great masses 

 of melanotic deposit in the pelvic cavity. When given to the farmer there were only a 

 few small nodular masses observed about the tail and vulva. 



Leconte [Mem. de la Societi Centrale de Med. VeUrinaire, vol. v., p. 180) was con- 

 sulted with regard to a Mare, about twelve years old and about five months pregnant, 

 which bad such a large melanotic deposit around the anus that defecation was impossible 

 without assistance. Rectal exploration discovered a very voluminous tumour situated 

 at the left side of the pelvis, in the centre of which a slight fluctuation could be per- 

 ceived. With a view to accelerate the maturation of the tumour, vesicatory agents were 

 applied to the left flank and croup; five days later the tumour was larger and more 

 fluctuating, and it was punctured, when about two pints of a dark, purulent, but almost 

 odourless fluid escaped. On the hand being introduced into the softening mass, a 

 portion was found about the size of two fists, and partially detached ; this was removed, 

 and weighed nearly seven pounds. In twelve days the wound had cicatrised ; and in 

 five and a half months, gestation being nearly completed, another melanotic tumour, 

 situated somewhat deeply towards the right side of the pelvic cavity, was also removed. 

 Cicatrisation took place rapidly, and delivery occurred without any difficulty. 



Cases have been recorded in which a large quantity of hardened fwces in the rectum 

 was a cause of dystokia. 



Indications for Surgical Treatment. 



The surgical treatment of those cases in which dystokia is due to 

 any of the causes just enumerated, will greatly depend upon circum- 

 stances, not onl}' with regard to the kind of treatment, but also as to 

 its expediency. 



For instance, if total or partial deformity of the pelvis is present to 

 such a degree as to endanger the life of the animal during parturition, 

 or if there exist obstacles due to fractures or tumours, and which can- 

 not be removed, then it may be advisable, if the animal be fit for food 

 and in good condition, to send it to the butcher ; or if it be pregnant 

 and in inferior condition, to produce abortion at a sufficiently early 

 period. But if parturition has already commenced, then, of course, 

 surgical or obstetrical treatment must be had recourse to ; and the 

 nature of this will depend upon the constriction of the pelvic cavity, 

 and the kind of obstacle which causes the diminished space. The 

 indications are : to forcibly extract the foetus through the narrowed 

 2}assage ; to widen the i^assage ; to diminish the size of the fcet^is ; or to 

 make an artificial ^oassage. But as artificial abortion may be necessary 

 during pregnancy, should the veterinarian be consulted, and from 

 examination be led to conclude that parturition will be dangerous or 

 impossible, we shall include this as one of the indications, and com- 

 mence with it. 



1. Artificial Aboetion. — Artificial abortion may be rendered 

 necessary not only during pregnancy, when the condition of the pelvic 

 cavity leads to the supposition that delivery at full term is dangerous 

 or impossible, but also in metrorrhagia, serious inversion of the vagina, 

 hydramnios, debility, or exhaustion, etc. 



Artificial abortion may be produced in several ways, and is generally 

 more successful with the Mare than the Cow, because of the greater 

 excitability of the cervix uteri, and the readiness with which it can be 

 dilated in that animal. Three modes of procedure have been adopted 

 with the domesticated animals, each being attended with success, and 

 each offering special advantages in particular cases. These are : irrita- 



