240 BOVINE OBSTETRICS 



(c) ABNORMAL POSITIONS OF THE HEAD. 



Malpositions of the head are frequently seen in obstetrical 

 practice. 



Causes. — One of the main causes is found in the persist- 

 ence of the intrauterine position on account of insufficient 

 uterine contractions. Incomplete dilatation of the cervix uteri 

 may cause the head to turn over in spite of sufficient rotation 

 of the calf, when the anterior limbs have already entered into 

 the vagina. Again, it is frequently produced when the owner 

 pulls on the fore legs while the calf is still in the costal pre- 

 sentation. There are people who immediately roll up the 

 sleeves after the water-bag has ruptured, pass the hand into 

 the vagina and fix the fore legs. Complete rotation has not yet 

 taken place at that time. The calf is still partially in the 

 costal presentation, in consequence of which the head easily 

 turns over when traction is exerted upon the fore legs. 



The head resting against the shoulder. 



Diagnosis. — Both fore legs rest in the pelvic canal, but one 

 has progressed a little further than the other one. On explo- 

 ration, the side of the neck is felt by gliding over the anterior 

 face of the legs, palpating laterally, the ears, and further on 

 the eyes and nose are detected. 



This abnormal position is often seen in cows with a pen- 

 dulous abdomen. 



Treatment. — Reposition is easy when the calf lives ; first, 

 because the uterus has not firmly contracted; and secondly, 

 because living calves change the position of the body by their 

 movements, thus assisting an adjustment. After both fore 

 legs have been fixed by cording them above the fetlocks, the 

 lower jaw is grasped with the hand by placing the thumb into 

 the mouth and the index finger below the jaw. By pulling 

 toward the operator the head is brought upon the fore legs, 

 and traction is exerted on them. After the head is once in the 

 pelvic canal, it is held there by the hand to keep the mouth 

 upon the metacarpal bones. 



