THE EMPLOYMEXT OF FORCE IN DYSTOKIA. r)*23 



has to pass through the pelvic canal that this instrument cannot be 

 used. 



As was pointed out when studyinj^ the anatomy of this region, thii 

 pelvis is cylindrical in Carnivora, and if we suppose its diameter to be 

 three inches, and that of the head of the foetus a trille less, it will be 

 seen tliat birth must necessarily be ditlicult ; and this dithculty will be 

 increased if the vaf^ina is narrow and ri^id. When the forceps is used, 

 the ditliculty is further exaggerated ; for wlien tlie blades are passed on 

 the head, the fcvtus is then augmented in size by a quantity equal to 

 their breadth multiplied by their thickness — the whole constituting a 

 mass greater than the pelvic cavity will permit to pass through it ; so 

 that delivery becomes impossible. Forceps, therefore, in small Bitches 

 increase the ditliculties of parturition, and these difliculties are all the 

 more embarrassing as the animal is diminutive. Recourse to this in- 

 strument is consequently contra-indicated, and if delivery is to be effected, 

 a means must be substituted which presents less inconvenience. As a 

 rule, the loss of one or two Puppies is not a matter of much moment, 

 the principal object being to save the mother by bringing tlie act of 

 parturition to a prompt termination. Therefore it is that Defays' or 

 Breulet's apphances (p. 507) are to be preferred in nearly all cases. 



C PI AFTER IV. 

 The Employment of Force in Dystokia. 



In connection with obstetrical operations, a rather important question 

 to be considered is the employment of force in the artificial extraction 

 of the fa3tus. For, as has been shown, more or less energetic traction 

 is very frequently needed to remove it from its parent ; and those who 

 do not understand, or are inexperienced in animal obstetrics, are some- 

 times astonished, if not horrified, at hearing of the amount of pulling 

 which the fcetus has to undergo and the parent sustain, before delivery 

 can be effected in some cases. Yet force is, as a rule, absolutely neces- 

 sary, even in embryotomy ; and though some of the various points with 

 regard to it are not yet sutliciently ascertained, and differences of opinion 

 exist with regard to them, yet it is a subject well deserving the attention 

 of the obstetrist, and especially the junior practitioner. 



The indications for forced extraction have been given in preceding 

 chapters ; they are chiefly to l)e found in tlie smallness or deformity of 

 the maternal genital canal ; excessive development of the fcntus — wholly 

 or partially, or distortion ; malposition of parts wliich cannot be 

 remedied ; or morbid conditions that hinder birth. Forced extraction 

 is usually preferable to embryotomy and Caesarian section in those 

 cases in wliich the passage of the fcetus — whether alive or dead — appears 

 to be possible without serious injury to the mother ; and because of the 

 greater width of the pelvis of the Mare, it is more likely to be successful 

 in that animal than in the Cow. 



The direction, intcnsitif, and nature or means of developing tlie force 

 to be cniploj/ed, have first to be considered, after which it will be 

 desirable to compare manual with nicclianical force, and point out their 

 respective advantages and disadvantages from an obstetrical point of 

 view. 



