96 VETERINARY OBSTETRICS. 
assumed a spiral direction, and the direction of the 
twist will depend on the side to which the uterus has 
turned. If torsion be complete, the os may be perfectly 
closed. If only partial, it may be possible to pass in 
the hand. If the left ligament has passed over the 
right, the condition is termed “right torsion”, and vzce 
versa. There are various methods adopted to reduce 
the torsion. When only partial, it is often possible to 
do so by pressure of the hand in the uterus. 
Another method is, by making an incision through 
the flank of the parent, and at the side to which the 
uterus has turned; then, with a clean cloth, which has 
first been rendered aseptic, apply pressure to the walls. 
of the womb, through the opening. 
Another is, by making an incision in the roof of 
the vagina, as in oophorectomy, and applying pressure, 
with the hand, through the opening. 
Another,—and perhaps the best,—is rotation of the 
parent. 
When this plan is adopted, decide first which way 
the uterus has turned. When to the right side, cast 
the patient on that side; turn her over the back; gather 
her feet well under her, and turn her to the right. 
During the turning process, the hand should be kept in 
the vagina, with the fingers, if possible, in the spiral ; 
and, by this means, reduction of the torsion will be 
detected. If left torsion has taken place, proceed ina 
similar way, but turn to the left. 
When the torsion has been reduced, the amniotic 
fluid will escape, and the foetus will be born in the usual 
way. 
