204 The Diseases of Animals 
piece of rope and loop it around the fore leg, and another 
around the head; then push the fetus back into the 
uterus, and bring forward the fore leg that is doubled 
back, thus securing a normal position. In most cases of 
dystokia, a smooth piece of small rope, six to eight feet 
long, is all that is needed. Cotton sash cord is excellent. 
When both fore legs are doubled back and the head 
is presented, the latter should be secured by a rope, 
the fetus pushed back, and the legs secured and 
brought forward. In case the fetus is dead, and the 
head is badly swollen, so that it cannot be 
pushed back, the head can be amputated after 
the neck is firmly secured by a rope. When 
the fetus is presented with the hind parts first, 
both hind legs are to be secured and the deliv- 
ery made in that position. When both hind 
legs are doubled back it is called a “breech” 
presentation; this, and a back presentation are 
usually very difficult to deliver. A fetus may be 
presented in a score of different positions, some 
of them requiring ingenuity and skill to handle, 
together with careful study of conditious. 
Fig. 40. : : : 
Lenmtos In small animals, when the vagina is too 
removing 
small” small to admit the hand, a piece of wire can be 
animals. 
doubled and the ends passed through a small 
tube, thus forming a loop (Fig. 40). This can be slipped 
over a leg or the head of the fetus, the tube pushed up 
to hold it, and the fetus secured. Excellent forceps are 
made for this purpose. In case the fetus is deformed 
or is a monstrosity, it should be dealt with as the 
special case seems to warrant. 
