500 



OBSTETRICAL OPERATIONS. 



When running knots or loops are made, these should be so tied that 

 there is no chance of their becoming untied through slipping, when they 

 come in contact with lubricating fluids and are strained. 



Whatever is used for this purpose should be very pliable, and yet 

 sufficiently strong to withstand energetic pulling. A very good pattern 

 of cord is that used by Schaack (Fig. 155). 



This is merely a cord with a running noose at one end, and a small 

 piece of round wood at the other, to give the assistant a better hold, 

 and enable him to use more force. 



When cords are employed on the limbs, they are generally applied to 

 the pasterns of the Foal, as these parts are most accessible, and afford 

 the most secure hold. They can also be apphed above the knees and 

 hocks, when it is necessary to amputate the limbs at these joints. The 

 head may be secured around the lower jaw, but it is sometimes better 



Fig. 154. 



Traction Coed and Band, and the 

 Manner of applying theji. 



Fig. 155. 

 Schaack's Traction Cord. 



to pass the noose into the mouth and around the top of the head, like 

 a gag-rope. 



When the cords are to be applied to the limbs, either of two modes 

 can be resorted to with this object. If the limb is bent, it must be ex- 

 tended and brought opposite the inlet, or into the genital canal, as the 

 case may be. Then Eainard recommends that the fingers be gathered 

 together and slightly bent, so as to form a kind of cone, on which the 

 running noose of the cord — sufficiently wide to pass over the foot of 

 the foetus— is placed, as in Fig. 154. The noose is kept in its place on 

 the fingers, in tightening the cord, by the free portion which passes 

 along the under side of the hand and arm ; unless this precaution is 

 adopted, the noose will be pushed back over the hand when introduced 

 into the vagina, and cannot easily be got forward again. The hand 

 and cord being oiled, are introduced into the passage, and when the foot 

 is reached it is seized in the fingers ; these are then suddenly bent, so 

 as to shorten the cone and cause the noose to run on to the pastern by 



