200 BOVINE OBSTETBICS 



cavity. A few strong blows suffice to perforate the rumen, 

 traction is exerted upon the fore legs and the water flows out. 

 In this manner he met with good results in three cases without 

 performing embryotomy. 



In the posterior presentation, with the hind legs in the 

 parturient passage, one hind leg and the pelvic half of the 

 same side is removed ; after evisceration the calf is extracted 

 by the other hind limb. Should abnormal presentation be 

 present, reposition is first practiced, followed by the above 

 described procedure. 



4. — Monstrosities. 



Vice ill conformation of the foetus does not necessarily 

 form an obstacle to parturition. Many monstrosities are born 

 without aid. Only those shall be mentioned of importance to 

 obstetrical jsractice. 



Classification. — Monstrosities may be divided into two main 

 groups, viz.: simple and compound monstrosities. To the 

 former, among others, belong the acardiacus, the " otter calf," 

 divisions of the head and trunk, peromelus and perosomus 

 elumbus. 



Enumerated among the compound monstrosities are the 

 diprosopus, dicephalus, iscliiopagus, pygopagus, dipygus, prosopo- 

 thoracopagus, synkephcdus, craniopagus, thoracopagus (sternopagus 

 and xyphopagus), and polymelus. 



The " otter calf," or calf with congenital rhachitis (fig. 20), 

 has very short limbs. The diaphyses are short, the epiphyses 

 very wide and thick. Palatoschisis, hydrocephalus and bra- 

 chygnatus is often present. 



The excessive bicostal and bitemporal diameter of such 

 calves may render parturition difficult. Nevertheless, after 

 oiling the passages well, extraction is mostly successful, by 

 pulling on the legs or leg, by hooking the inner canthus of the 

 eye. Should this fail, embryotomy is indicated. 



Clefts of the Head and Trunk. — Here belong, among others, 

 the cranioschisis and rachischisis, as well as the ectopia vis- 



