146 BOVINE OBSTETBICS 



with the hand. This in due time is generally followed by a 

 sufficient dilatation. 



The position of the calf, parallel with the long axis of the 

 uterine horn, forms an angle of about 90 degrees with the ex- 

 tension of the pelvic axis. In consequence of this, the head 

 pushes against the sacrum, while the two forelegs either enter 

 the genital canal or are pushed back. 



Tbe preliminary pains may advance the water-bag into the 

 vagina ; under those circumstances dilatation is sufficient, but 

 the pains may produce an early rupturing of the foetal mem- 

 branes, followed by a discharge of the greatest part of the foetal 

 water and insufficient dilatation of the cervix uteri. 



The expulsive pains, representing a power acting in the 

 direction and against the sacrum, do not expel the calf, but 

 gradually weaken until the act of parturition comes to a stand- 

 still. 



Therapeutics. — When the os uteri is insufficiently dilated and 

 the foetal membranes are intact, the hand by rotary movements 

 attempts to dilate the cervix iiteri. These manipulations 

 excite labor pains, by which the water-bag is forced into the 

 cervical canal. The latter may be assisted by stroking it with 

 the hand and at the same time dilating the cervix with the 

 dorsal portion of the hand so that the water-bag enters the 

 vagina. For this operation the recumbent position of the cow is 

 best; this changes the relationship between the long axis of 

 the pregnant cornu and pelvic axis ; at the same time the 

 abdominal muscle may render assistance. When the foetal 

 water has been expelled and the dilatation is insufficient, great 

 quantities of warm water ought to be introduced by the use of 

 a funnel and rubber tube. The dilatation of the cervix may be 

 effected in the same manner, as repeatedly stated. After such 

 preparation of the genital passages, extraction of the calf is in 

 order. It was previously stated that the expelling powers act 

 under such unfavorable circumstances, that parturition is 

 impossible. Therapeutics therefore has to fulfil two points : 



1. The long axis of the uterus must be brought on a line 

 with the pelvic axis. 



