440 



FCETAL DYSTOKIA. 



of the foetus, in order to bring it into a more favourable position — the 

 dorso-sacral, if possible — before proceeding to the adjustment of the 

 other leg, which is to be effected in the manner already indicated. 



One or Both Fore-Limhs completely retained. 



The complete retention of one or both fore-limbs of the foetus in the 

 uterine cavity is often met with in the domesticated animals, but 

 perhaps more frequently in the Mare than the Cow or other creature. 

 It is always a serious cause of dystokia, and may occur in either of 

 the four anterior positions, though it is usually observed in the dorso- 

 sacral position. It is, no doubt, produced during birth, and in the 



Fig. 130. 

 Anterior Presentation, Dorso-Sacral Position : One Fore-Limb completely 



same manner as knee flexion ; its more frequent occurrence with the 

 Foal than the Calf is, in all probability, due to the former having longer 

 limbs than the latter. Under exceptionally favourable circumstances, 

 as Franck remarks, the Foal or Calf may be born with the fore-limbs 

 under the chest and abdomen, and without injury to the mother or 

 offspring. This is much more likely to occur when the foetus is small, 

 the maternal pelvis roomy, and only one limb misplaced. 



But when the foetus is large and the pelvis narrow, then birth, 

 especially of the Foal, is impossible. Not only this, but unless ex- 

 traction is soon accomplished, the foetus runs great risk of dying from 

 asphyxia — indeed, the Foal is nearly always delivered dead in this com- 

 plication ; so that death of the foetus may be said to be the rule in 



