DISEASES OF THE F(ETUS. 381 



the Cow some time previously, and, becoming fixed to the membranes, 

 formed an obstacle to birth. 



Vincent describes a very interesting case, in which the skin covering 

 the joints of the first and second phalanges of the right fore-leg of the 

 fcctus had contracted close and strong adhesions with the envelopes, 

 and these with the uterine mucous membrane. These adhesions 

 opposed a serious obstacle to birth, which could not be accomplished 

 until they were broken up by the fingers. 



Adhesion of the membranes to the uterus does not always prove an 

 obstacle to spontaneous delivery, however. 



Indications. 



Adhesions, when they exist and are a cause of dystokia, and when 

 they can be reached, must be broken up or cut through. In the majority 

 of cases, the fingers will suffice ; if not, then a bistoury must be used. 



Difficulty in parturition in the Cow is sometimes experienced from 

 the envelopes being torn in several places, and the head or limbs, or 

 both, passing through these fissures. 



In such cases the entangled parts of the foetus must be sought for, 

 released, and brought into a favourable position by tearing or cutting 

 through the obstacles. 



Abnormal Quantity of Placental Fluid. 



"We have already described the condition known as " hydramnios," 

 and have pointed out that when it exists abortion nearly always takes 

 place. When the accumulation of fluid interferes with parturition, 

 labour is slow and delivery difficult, owing to the great distention of the 

 uterus and the pendulous state of the abdomen. 



The indications for treatment have been given at p. 186. 



An unusually small quantity of the liquor amnii, when it is not due 

 to premature rupture of the envelopes, has not, to my knowledge, been 

 mentioned as a cause of dystokia ; though there is no reason why this 

 deficiency should not lead to protracted labour, if we call to mind what 

 has been said as to the uses of this fluid. 



The indications will be the same as for those cases in which the fluid 

 has escaped prematurely. 



CHAPTER II. 

 Diseases of the Foetus. 



While in the uterus the foetus may be affected with disease, which, 

 causing its death, will lead to abortion or premature expulsion, or per- 

 haps undue retention. Other abnormal conditions, more or less allied 

 to disease, may give rise to vicious conformation or excess of volume, 

 generally or locally, and thus prove a cause of dillicult parturition. 

 These conditions may produce hydrocephalus, ascites and anasarca, 

 emphysema, polysarcia, muscular contractions, and tumours of various 

 kinds. 



Hydrocephalus. 



As the term implies, " hydrocephalus " signifies dropsy of the brain, 

 the dropsy being constituted by the accumulation of a more or less con- 



