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 
