QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS 283 



cord to and repel the posterior half. Deliver the anterior half first 

 and then the posterior. 



Describe method of delivering extreme downward deviation of the 

 head, anterior presentation. 



Attempt replacement of the head by seizing the muzzle or nostrils 

 with the hand. If this fails, amputate one anterior limb, which 

 then allows the head to be brought into position. Delivery in the 

 normal way is then easily effected. 



What care should be given the dam after labor? 



Clean, comfortable quarters should be provided. Nourishing, 

 succulent food should be freely given to insure an abundant milk 

 secretion. Grass is the best diet for herbivora. The mother should 

 be kept from hard labor for three or four days, and all undue dis- 

 turbance should be avoided. If the labor is complicated by wounds 

 of the genital organs, or otherwise, proper treatment should be 

 given. Otherwise such interference with nature is contra-indicated. 

 In case the after-birth is not expelled in the usual time allowed, 

 means should be employed to remove same. 



Give the symptoms and the treatment of uterine inertia in the mare. 



The foetus presents normally and in a favorable position, but 

 there is a deficiency of the expelling powers. The mother is usually 

 weak, debilitated, and maintains a decubital attitude. 



Treatment consists of the administration of stimulants. Ergot 

 is usually chosen. In addition, traction should be applied and 

 delivery effected. 



Give the symptoms and treatment of torsion of the uterus. 



Torsion of the uterus is shown by severe expulsive efforts, colicky 

 pains, and extreme uneasiness. If death of the foetus has occurred, 

 metritis and peritonitis may be present. The diagnosis is confirmed 

 by examination per vaginam when the hand encounters the spiral 

 folds of the vaginal walls and os uteri. The prognosis is grave. 

 Reduction of the twist is very difficult. It may be attempted in 

 case of slight torsion by inserting the hand and arm into the uterus, 

 grasping a limb of the fcetus, and exerting force on same. If the 

 torsion is severe, it is impossible to gain entrance into the uterus in 

 this way. In this case, rolling of the mother in the direction of 

 the twist is the logical treatment. "With the hand in the vagina, the 

 operator can assist by preventing the uterus from turning when the 

 mother is rolled. These methods failing, laparatomy should be per- 

 formed and the torsion reduced by the hand placed within the abdo- 

 men. As a last resort perform Cesarean section. 



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