96 VETERINARY OBSTETRICS. 



assumed a spiral direction, and the direction of the 

 twist will depend on the side to which the uterus has 

 turned. If torsion be complete, the os may be perfectly 

 closed. If only partial, it may be possible to pass in 

 the hand. If the left ligament has passed over the 

 right, the condition is termed "right torsion", and vice 

 versa. There are various methods adopted to reduce 

 the torsion. When only partial, it is often possible to 

 do so by pressure of the hand in the uterus. 



Another method is, by making an incision through 

 the flank of the parent, and at the side to which the 

 uterus has turned ; then, with a clean clotti, which has 

 first been rendered aseptic, apply pressure to the walls 

 of the womb, through the opening. 



Another is, by making an incision in the roof of 

 the vagina, as in oophorectomy, and applying pressure, 

 with the hand, through the opening. 



Another, — and perhaps the best, — is rotation of the 

 parent. 



When this plan is adopted, decide first which way 

 the uterus has turned. When to the right side, cast 

 the patient on that side ; turn her over the back ; gather 

 her feet well under her, and turn her to the right. 

 During the turning process, the hand should be kept in 

 the vagina, with the fingers, if possible, in the spiral ; 

 and, by this means, reduction of the torsion will be 

 detected. If left torsion has taken place, proceed in a 

 similar way, but turn to the left. 



When the torsion has been reduced, the amniotic 

 fluid will escape, and the foetus will be born in the usual • 

 "T^ay. 



