204 DISEASES OF THE HORSE. 
* 
In case the limb is bent forward at the hock, a rope is passed round 
that and pulled so as to bring the point of the hock between the lips 
of the vulva. The hamstring and the lateral ligaments of the hock 
are now cut through, and the limbs extended by a rope tied round the 
lower end of the long bone above (tibia). In case it is still needful 
to remove the upper part of the limb, the further procedure is the 
same as described in the last paragraph. 
In case the limb is turned forward from the hip, and the fetus so 
wedged into the passage that turning is impossible, the case is very 
difficult. I have repeatedly succeeded by cutting in on the hip joint 
and disarticulating it, then dissecting the muscles back from the 
upper end of the thigh bone. A noose was placed around the neck of 
the bone and pulled on forcibly, while any unduly resisting struc- 
tures were cut with the knife. 
Cartwright recommends to make free incisions round the hip joints 
and tear through the muscles when they can not be cut; then with 
cords round the pelvic bones, and hooks inserted in the openings in 
the floor of the pelvis to drag out the pelvic bones; then put cords 
around the heads of the thigh bones and extract them; then remove 
the intestines; finally, by means of the loose, detached skin, draw out 
the body with the remainder of the hind limbs bent forward be- 
neath it. 
Reuff cuts his way into the pelvis of the foal, and with a knife 
separates the pelvic bones from the loins, then skinning the quarter 
draws out these pelvic bones by means of ropes and hooks, and along 
with them the hind limbs. __ 
The hind limbs having been removed by one or the other of these 
procedures, the loose skin detached from the pelvis is used as a means 
of traction and delivery is effected. In case of a monstrosity with 
extra hind limbs, it may be possible to bring these up into the passage 
and utilize them for traction. 
Removal of the abdominal viscera.—In case the belly is unduly 
large, from decomposition, tumors, or otherwise, it may be needful 
to lay it open with the knife and cut or tear out the contents. 
Removal of the thoracic viscera —To diminish the bulk of the chest. 
it has been found advisable to cut out the breastbone, remove the 
heart and lungs, and allow the ribs to collapse with the lower free 
ends overlapping each other. 
Dissection of the trunk.—In case it becomes necessary to remove 
other portions of the trunk, we should follow the general rule of 
preserving the skin so that all manipulations can be made inside this 
as a protector, that it may remain available as a means of exercising 
traction on the remaining part of the body, and as a covering to 
protect the vaginal walls against injuries from bones while such 
part is passing. 
