Bicomual Pregnancy 725 



The mare continued fairly well and quiet for about 48 hours, when we 

 -were recalled and, upon making a second examination, found the fetal mem- 

 branes protruding from the vulva. Upon careful examination it was 

 found that the part, which was previously supposed to be the os uteri, was 

 merely the narrow vagina, beneath which the fetus lay. The presence of 

 the membranes permitted us to follow them along their course until the 

 opening into the uterus was reached, when it was found that nothing resem- 

 bling the normal os uteri was present. 



The vagina was extremely long and narrow. Far to the anterior, barely 

 within reach, the canal opened abruptly downwards and backwards into 

 the uterus. Posterior to this opening, and beneath the vagina, lay the 

 body of the foal, in a transverse position, readily felt through the vaginal 

 and uterine walls. Though beyond reach through the os uteri so long as 

 the mare was standing, when she was recumbent the hind limbs could with 

 difficulty be reached. 



After patient and exhausting work, the hind legs were secured at the 

 tarsus by means of cords, but it was impossible to bring them into the 

 passage until the feet were amputated through the lower tarsal articulation. 

 We then had the two hocks presenting with the ossa calces directed up- 

 wards, while beneath the vagina could still be felt the main volume of the 

 fetus. Firm traction applied to the hind limbs finally brought the fetus into 

 a posterior presentation, and accomplished its extraction after about five 

 hours of very trjing labor. 



Examination immediately after delivery revealed an enormous rupture of 

 the uterus and inferior wall of the vagina. The animal was destroyed, but 

 no autopsy made. 



5. A large French draft mare in excellent condition, which had pre- 

 viously bred successfully. The fetal membranes were found protruding, but 

 no well-marked labor pains. Exploration revealed an exceedingly long, 

 narrow vagina, which, at its anterior extremity, barely within reach, opened 

 abruptly downwards and backwards. The usual conformation of the os 

 uteri was wanting. While the mare was standing, no portion of the fetus 

 could be touched by passing the hand into the uterus. There seemed to be 

 a great cavity to the right and left and posteriorly. By following the supe- 

 rior walls of the vagina up to the uterus, we found this bent abruptly down- 

 ward to become the anterior wall, which could be followed as far as the 

 hand could reach without coming in contact with any portion of the foal. 

 Posterior to this opening and beneath the floor of the vagina, the fetus could 

 be plainly felt. By passing the hand through the uterine opening, 

 drawing its posterior margin firmly backwards, and then reaching down- 

 ward and backward as far as possible, a portion of the fetus could be barely 

 touched, but not grasped. 



After casting the mare and placing her upon her back, one hock was se- 

 cured, corded, and with great difficulty brought into the passage. Then one 

 anterior limb was secured and amputated. Later the other hind leg was 

 secured, and with strong traction the fetus was brought away after eight 

 hours of exhausting labor. The mare succumbed 24 hours later, and no 

 autopsy was made. 



6. The writer was called in consultation, in case of dystokia in a large 



