OBSTETRICS 231 



fetus by force unless it is well into the vagina. Such 

 procedure only leads to lacerations or even perfora- 

 tions of the uterus. 



6. Hernia of the uterus (one or both horns). — 

 This is a most untoward complication of parturi- 

 tion. It occurs usually before labor commences. 

 Attempts at reduction and ordinary delivery may be 

 made, but cesarean section is usually the only solu- 

 tion of the difficulty. 



7. Torsion of the uterus. — Twist of the uterus 

 occurs but rarely and may be diagnosed by the 

 futility of the uterine contractions and the imper- 

 viousness of the cervix. Sometimes the twist may 

 be felt by digital examination. Failing to reduce 

 the torsion by manipulation — that is, by fixing the 

 OS by the pressure of a finger or fixation forceps 

 and rolling the bitch over in a direction opposite to 

 that of the twist, cesarean section must be per- 

 formed promptly. 



It may seem that cesarean sectiori is unduly em- 

 phasized and advocated in these pages, but the 

 author's experience has been that, when performed 

 early and skillfully executed, it holds out by far 

 the best chance for life both to the mother and her 

 young, and that blind endeavor with the forcepb, 

 with no room for a -guiding finger, are far more fatal 

 and much less justifiable. In fact, cesarean section, 

 properly performed and at the right time, is a re- 

 markably safe operation and should not occasion 

 a higher mortality than simple ovariotomy. 



Fetal Dystocia 



No very definite rules can be laid down regarding 

 fetal dystocia, since every case is a law unto itself. 



1. Malformations. — In the case of deformed or 

 malformed puppies it may be necessary to perform 

 embryotomy before delivery can take place, or the 



