238 BOVINE OBSTETBICS 



The fore leg bent back under the abdomen, tJie shoulder in the pelvic 



canal. 



In this instance parturition has further advanced, be it on 

 account of stronger uterine contractions or because the owner 

 pulled on the presenting parts. 



Diagnosis. — The head and one fore leg are well forward in 

 the pelvic canal, one-half of the metacarpal bone of the ante- 

 rior limb lying normally projects from the vulva, the nose is 

 visible between the labise. On exploring the side where the 

 leg is bent backward, the shoulder is felt in the pelvic inlet. 

 The parts resting in the vagina are often wedged. 



Prognosis. — Favorable. 



Treatment. — When the calf is small and the pelvic canal 

 normal, as is usually the case in cows which have calved re- 

 peatedly, extraction is possible in this abnormal position. 

 Traction is then exerted on the head and the fore leg present- 

 ing itself normally. Should the calf be alive, reposition is 

 attempted by retropulsion, thus changing this presentation 

 into the preceding one. But when severe traction has been 

 practiced by the owner, wedging and killing the calf, when the 

 uterus has finally contracted so that repulsion appears impos- 

 sible, embryotomy must be performed. In these cases partial 

 embryotomy is mostly sufficient and more advisable than 

 forcible extraction. 



(&) ABNORMAL POSITION OF BOTH FORE LEGS. 



The treatment is the same as given under reposition of one 

 fore limb. One must not omit to immediately cord the ad- 

 justed leg, before correcting other abnormalities. 



Special discussion is required in case both fore legs are bent 

 backivard under the abdomen. 



The causes are insufficient dilatations of the cervix uteii, 

 feeble pains and thus slow rotation of the calf. This abnormal 

 presentation is often met with in partus prematurus at the 

 seventh month. 



Diagnosis. — The head has progressed as far as or beyond 

 the vulva, its ears being visible between the labise. On explora- 



