612 DISEASES AND THEIR TREATMENT. 



neck of the womb will be found not sufficiently dilated, but the foal 

 is found in its natural position. In such cases it may be gently 

 dilated with the hand, or left alone, when nature will often overcome 

 it herself. In cases of natural presentation, we must not be in too 

 much of a hurry to deliver; harm is often done by injudicious in- 

 terference. One or both fore legs may be doubled back, with the 

 head presenting. In this case, push it back, and pass the hand 

 down the leg if possible ; get them up into the passage, either by 

 the hand or looped cords passed round the fetlock, when, by slight 

 traction, it will generally be brought away. The legs may be pre- 

 sented in the passage, and the head either doubled down under the 

 brim of the pelvis, or turned over the shoulder down on the flank. 

 In this case, it should be pushed back bodily, and the head sought 

 for, when a loop must be placed, if possible, on the lower jaw ; it 

 must now be pushed back, while the head is to be pulled forward, 

 and brought into the passage. This case is often very troublesome, 

 from the difficulty sometimes experienced, in reaching the head. It 

 is sometimes necessary to remove one of the legs by cutting the 

 skin round the fetlock, and with the embryotomy knife dividing the 

 skin of the leg as far as the shoulder, and separating it with the 

 fingers, when it can be removed. A cord should be attached to the 

 loose skin to aid in traction, when the head can in most cases be 

 reached. We have had occasion to remove both legs in the same 

 manner before delivery could be effected. 



Sometimes the buttocks and tail only are to be felt ; this is 

 often a troublesome case, especially when the legs dip under the 

 pelvis. It must be pushed well in, and the hind feet, if possible, 

 secured and brought into the passage. Often, however, it is very 

 difficult to do, when, as recommended by Prof. Dick, " the contents 

 of the abdomen must be removed at t;he rectum ; the pelvis divided 

 at the symphysis, when a cord being attached, and force used, the 

 hind legs will get into the place of the viscera, and the quarters col- 

 lapse so as to >allow of extraction." The whole four feet may be 

 presented in. the passage ; the simplest way of delivering in this case 

 is to feel for the hocks, and slip loops on the hind feet ; and by push- 

 ing back the fore ones, it may be removed by the hind legs. 



It is impossible to describe minutely the details of procedure in 

 these cases, as, from difference in collateral circumstances, such as 

 size, age, length of time she has been in labor, swelling of the parts, 

 etc., etc., different plans of treatment must suggest themselves to 

 the operator. The principles to be observed are these : endeavor 

 to get it into its natural position, in which, position it is easiest de- 



