114 THE CANADIAN HOESB 



must be immediately removed; and if the cord does not 

 give way itself, it being sometimes thick and strong, a liga^ 

 ture should be put on it about four inches from the beUy, 

 and the remainder cut away. In general, mares are best 

 left to themselves at this important period, but care should 

 be taken that they do not get into awkward positions, as 

 against a wall, or the sides of the box. 



ABNORMAL PEESENTATIONS. 



The natural position of the foal at birth is with the head 

 resting on the two fore-legs. When in this position, and the 

 parts natural, it soon comes away without very much exer- 

 tion. In many cases, however, the foal is found in such 

 positions as to prevent its escape without assistance. In all 

 cases of protracted labour, where the pains continue without 

 effect, assistance may be required. The hand being raised 

 in temperature by washing in warm water, should be intro- 

 duced to ascertain the cause. In some cases the neck of the 

 womb will be found not sufficiently dilated, but the foal is 

 found in its natural position. In such cases, it may be 

 gently dilated with the hand, or left alone, when nature will 

 often overcome it herself. In cases of natural presentation, 

 we must not be in too much hurry to deliver ; harm is often 

 done by injudicious interference. One or both fore-legs may 

 be doubled back, with the head presenting. In this case, 

 push it back, and pass the hand down 'the leg if possible ; 

 get them up into the passage, either by the hand or looped 

 cords passed round the fetlock, when, by slight traction, it 

 will generally be brought away. The legs may be- presented 

 in the passage, and the head either doubled down under the 

 brim of the pelvis, or turned over the shoulder down on the 

 flank. In this case, it should be pushed bodily back, and 

 the head sought for, when a, loop must be placed, if possible, 



