392 



F(ETAL DYSTOKIA. 



matter in the subcutaneous connective tissue ; so that at birth these fat 

 deposits often cause the Calf to weigh more than a hundredweight. Such 

 foetuses are designated in Germany " lard Calves " {Speck-kdlber). - 



Indications. 



The indications for the extraction of these lardaceous Calves are, as 

 might be presumed, tlie same as those for over-developed foetuses in 

 general. 



CONTEACTIONS, 



This designation has been given to the permanent contraction or 

 retraction of certain muscles — and we might add tendons and liga- 

 ments — which, in becoming hard and rigid, are at the same time re- 

 duced in length and thickness, so as to form inextensible cords that 



Fig. 103. 



Deformed Head and Neck of a Foal, due to Contraction and Pkes.sure in 



THE Uterus. 



deform the part they are attached to, and prevent its assuming its 

 natural position. 



This state of contraction and rigidity only takes place slowly and 

 progressively, and it chiefly, though not exclusively, affects the muscles 

 of the neck and fore-limbs, giving these a vicious direction which it is 

 very difficult to change, and whicli at parturition may become a rather 

 troublesome cause of dystokia. 



The causes of these deviations, which bring about actual alterations 

 in the structure of the bones and muscles themselves, are very obscure. 

 Bouley was of opinion that the lesion is solely due to the passive influence 

 of a false position which the foetus assumes and maintains for a long 

 time, and to which the muscles and bones finally accommodate them- 

 selves. Eainard thought the cause might be of a mechanical nature, 

 and due to the pressure exercised on the foetus by the colon of the 

 mother — particularly its pelvic portion — when filled with hard faecal 



