80 VETERINARY OBSTETRICS. 
Decapitation. 
This is the removal of the head, which may be 
performed in the vaginal cavity, or in the uterus, and 
in various ways. 
First of all, apply a hook, either to the angle of 
lower jaw, or to one or both of the orbits, and bring 
the head into the most favorable position; make a 
circular incision just in front of the ears, and push 
back the skin, either with the fingers and a spatula, 
or the handle of a scalpel, for one and a half to. 
two inches all round the neck; cut through the 
Fic, 33. 
STRAIGHT EMBRYOTOM. 
articulation between the atlas and dentata, divide the 
remaining tissues of the neck, bringing the skin 
together over the divided structures, using a traction 
hook to keep them together. With the hook, gentle 
traction may be applied. 
Another method is by making the incision further 
back, and dividing the articulation between the second 
and third, or the third and fourth, cervical vertebre, 
treating the divided borders as in the last. 
Another method is by removing the skin entirely 
from the head, and disarticulating the head at the first 
cervical vertebra, bringing the skin together over 
the divided structures. This is by far the longest 
operation, and the only advantage to be derived from 
