Dystokia 205 
When the head is greatly distended with “water on 
the brain” (Fig. 41), a small incision through the top 
of the head will allow the fluid to escape, and the deliv- 
ery will be easily accomplished. 
When the fetus cannot be secured in any other man- 
ner, it is necessary to perform embryotomy. Special 
knives made for this purpose are a great advantage, 
but a common pocket-knife can be used, by winding 
the lower half of the blade with a string; the point 
of the blade can be used for cutting, and when 
inserting the knife into 
the womb the blade can 
be protected by the 
hand; so that it will not 
injure the mother. Em- 
bryotomy is a hard, and 
often a difficult task to 
perform, but in many 
eases it is the only hope 
of saving the dam. In 
treating cases of diffi- 
eult labor, the following NE 
directions should be ob- Fig. 41. Head of foal with “water on 
served: Be sure to get the- brain,” 
the fetus in a good position, either with the head and 
fore legs in the passage, or the hind legs, before attempt- 
ing to use force in taking it away. After getting the 
fetus straight, use gentle traction, pulling in a down- 
ward direction. The amount of force that one person 
can exert is usually sufficient; in some cases more may 
Le employed, but the practice of tearing the fetus away 
gO 
