AND HIS DISEASES. 115 



on the lower jaw ; it must now be pushed back, while the 

 head is to be pulled forward, and brought into the passage. 

 This ca,se is often very troublesome, from the difi&culty some- 

 times experienced in reaching the head. It is sometimes 

 necessary to remove one of the legs by cutting the skin 

 round the fetlock, and with the embryotomy knife dividing 

 the skia of the leg as far as the shoulder, and separating it 

 with the fingers, when it can be removed. A cord should 

 be attached to the loose skin to aid in traction, when the 

 head can in most cases be reached. We have had occasion 

 to remove both legs in the same manner before delivery 

 could be effected. 



Sometimes the buttocks and tail are only to be felt ; this 

 is often a troublesome case, especially when the legs dip 

 under the pelvis. It must be pushed well in, and the-hind 

 feet, if possible, secured and brought into the passage. Often, 

 however, it is very ■dlfHcult to do, when, as recommended by 

 » Professor Dick, " the contents of the abdomen imust be re- 

 moved at the rectum ; the pelvis divided at the symphysis, 

 when a cord being attached, and force used, the hind legs 

 will get into the place of the viscera, and the quarters col- 

 lapse so as to allow of extraction." The whole four feet may 

 be presented in the passage ; the simplest way of delivering 

 in this case is to feel for the hocks, and slip loops on the hind 

 feet ; and by pushing back the fore ones, it may be removed 

 by the hind legs. 



It is impossible to describe minutely the details of pro- 

 cedure in these cases, as, from difference in collateral circum- 

 stances, such as size, age, length of time she has been in 

 labour, swelling of the parts, &c. &c., different plans of 

 treatment must suggest themselves to the operator. The 

 principles to be observed are these : endeavour to get it into 

 its natural position, in which position it is easiest delivered ; 



