286 Western Live-stock Management 



feet back. In this case, unless the mare is unusually 

 open, it will be necessary to push the foetus back and get 

 it straightened out so that it will come in normal manner. 

 Occasionally a rear presentation will come with the rump 

 first rather than the feet. It is practically impossible to 

 deliver the colt in this manner, and again it must be pushed 

 back and worked around so that it will be . in normal 

 manner, either front or rear. Often the colt will come 

 with one leg or the other back in either the fore or rear 

 presentation. It is sometimes possible to deliver this 

 presentation, but usually it is advisable to try to straighten 

 out the limb that is crooked. If the mare needs assistance 

 in delivering the foetus because of the abnormal size 

 or presentation, the help should be rendered as soon as 

 possible. The mare should be allowed to labor only a 

 short time before an investigation is made, as the chances 

 for successful delivery are increased if the mare is assisted 

 at once before the parts become dry, and before her 

 normal pains of delivery weaken. In pulling the foetus 

 from the mare, it should be put in proper position and then 

 gently pulled in a downward direction. The pulling 

 should be gentle and steady, allowing the mare to aid in 

 every way possible. Otherwise injury is likely to occur 

 by bruising, tearing, or cutting some of the tissues. If 

 the case cannot be delivered in the usual manner, it may 

 be necessary to dissect the foetus in order to save the 

 life of the mare. In all cases of this kind, great care 

 should be taken to lessen the inflammation, as there is 

 likely to be infection, resulting in blood poisoning. 



Care after parturition. 



The place where the mare foals is very important, be- 

 cause of the danger of the disease known as "navel 



