468 FCETAL DYSTOKIA. 



the hind-limbs being partially or only very slightly flexed, it is evident 

 that the voluminous mass cannot pass into the pelvis. Some part of the 

 posterior region of the fcEtus — -as the hocks — jams against the pelvic 

 border and cannot get beyond ; while the points of the buttocks, placed 

 in front of the inlet, are engaged somewhat in the passage. With the 

 continuance of the labour-pains, this part gradually enters the pelvic 

 cavity, while the retained hind-limbs are proportionately forced forward 

 beneath or on each side of the abdomen of the foetus, until at last they 

 are closely applied to the body ; the creature has assumed the position 

 of an animal lying in a natural manner, and the posterior part of the 

 trunk is firmly fixed between the sacrum and pubis of the mother 

 (Fig. 142). 



The tail and buttocks of the foetus are, therefore, the first parts that 

 the hand encounters in exploring the genital canal ; then the croup 

 and haunches, and below, beneath the pubis, are found the hocks, 

 which may be more or less accessible to manipulation, according to 

 circumstances ; though, when the limbs are fully extended under the 

 body, they are beyond reach. Though the croup and haunches may 

 have passed into the pelvic inlet, yet nothing of the foetus is discernible 

 externally, except perhaps the tail, no matter how long the labour may 

 have been in progress. 



In the majority of cases, perhaps, the young creature is in the lumbo- 

 sacral position ; while in others it may be in the lumbo-pubic, or right 

 or left lumbo-ilial positions. 



Indications. — Authorities are generally unanimous in asserting that 

 this is one of the most difficult malpositions the veterinary obstetrist 

 can encounter. Very frequently the mother perishes without being 

 delivered ; and though sometimes a live Calf may be extracted, it is rare 

 indeed that a living Foal is obtained, and only too often the Mare 

 succumbs after parturition has been accomplished by manual force. 

 The chances of success in saving either mother or offspring are dimin- 

 ished in direct proportion to the time labour has been going on, the 

 foetus advanced in the pelvic cavity, and the maternal genital organs 

 injured or irritated by improper manoeuvres. The difficulty is also 

 greatly increased in Heifers, or animals whose genital canal is smaller 

 than usual ; a large foetus likewise makes the malpresentatiou more 

 serious. 



The rational indication is, of course, to extend the limbs of the foetus 

 backwards, as in ordinary breech presentations, and to give these and 

 the body a direction in harmony with the axis and dimensions of the 

 pelvic inlet, so that birth may be effected by the combined efforts of 

 the mother and the obstetrist. But this indication is often most diffi- 

 cult to fulfil ; though in some instances, and even with the Mare, it is 

 possible when labour is not too far advanced, and when the foetus, still 

 in the abdominal cavity, is movable, and can be pushed sufficiently 

 from the inlet to allow the lower part of the limbs to be seized and 

 brought into the vagina. 



Pushing the foetus as far into the abdomen as possible, one of the limbs 

 is seized above the hock, and the thigh and leg flexed as completely 

 as circumstances will permit, by lifting that joint towards the mother's 

 sacrum. Still pushing the foetus ofi" by means of the repeller, the 

 hand is passed down to the hoof or claws until the toe and front part 

 of these rest in the palm of the hand ; by adopting this precaution, 

 danger of injury to the uterus or vagina is averted. Then the foot is 



