Ventral Transverse Presentation 



789 



2. Embryotomy. In the mare we regard embryotomy as be- 

 ing simpler and safer than version, without generally involving any 

 great amount of labor upon the part of the obstetrist. Embry- 

 otomy in these cases consists of the subcutaneous removal of the 

 two anterior limbs, as described on page 645, followed by version 

 of the fetal remnant, which is to be brought about by repelHng 

 the chest and applying traction to the two posterior limbs, in or- 

 der to convert the transverse into a posterior presentation. 



This position is subject to a variety of complications, which 

 may tax the skill and endurance of the operator. In the typical 

 case in the mare, which we have described above, it requires only 

 about one hour or one and a half hours to perform embryotomy 



Fig. 138. Vkntrai, Presentation. (Franck). 



and deliver the fetus as outlined. An expert operator may even 

 accomplish the task in much less time, but in the presence of 

 certain complications it may require very much more time. 



In one of my cases all four feet of the fetus had already passed through 

 the vulva, and the four large, bony limbs were tightly impacted in the pelvic 

 ■ canal, completely filling it, so that it was only-with difficulty that the arm 

 could be inserted alongside or between them. I could reach neither of the 

 shoulders to amputate subcutaneously, but was forced to amputate one at 

 the elbow joint, and the other with difficulty at the scapulo-humeral articu- 

 lation, but these amputations served my purpose, and permitted delivery 

 after some five or six hours of fatiguing labor. The case was further com- 

 plicated by the viciousness of the mare, which persistently fought by kick- 

 ing, striking or biting at any one within her reach, so that it became neces- 

 sary to east her and securely tie all four feet. The recumbency, with the 



