274 



Anatomy and Physiology of the 



turn the legs as to place them in position of fig. 1 1 ; after which, 

 ordinary traction during each throe will enable him to effect 

 delivery with safety, both to the mother and the young. 



The above constitute the principal varieties of preternatural 

 presentations; there are, however, some modifications of each, 

 but these will not require from me a further explanation. The 

 rules I have laid down are applicable as general principles, and 

 can be adapted to each particular case. 



Besides the methods of extraction which I have spoken of, it 

 will sometimes be necessary, from the great size of the foetus and 

 other causes, to have recourse to embryotomy , or the dissection 

 of the foetus. In a lecture of this kind it is not to be expected 

 that we can describe this process, which must necessarily differ in 

 almost every instance, and ought never to be undertaken by any 

 but those who have made this subject their especial study. One 

 rule, and only one, I will mention, and that is never to remove a 

 limb before having dissected back the skin, so that the various 

 instruments employed may be attached to it, thus securing all the 

 advantages of the limb to exercise traction upon without having 

 the disadvantage of its size. 



To the veterinary surgeon I need scarcely say that, varying 

 the position of his patient will materially assist his efforts, and that 

 he is enabled to manipulate with far greater facility when the 

 animal is standing ; but whether standing or otherwise, he must 

 not cease his endeavours to adjust the foetus and accomplish its 

 early removal. 



During protracted labour the patient's strength should be sup- 

 ported by diffusible stimulants and cordials, for the expenditure 

 of the vital powers is very great : many cases are lost even after 

 delivery from inattention to this circumstance ; good ale, with the 

 addition of some alcoholic spirit, constitutes a most useful agent 

 for the purpose. 



When the foetus has been extracted, no stimulants should be 

 given, as these would bring on inflammatory action; but to quiet 

 the system, a dose of tinct. opii, varying from 1 to 2 ounces, 

 ought to be exhibited. The quantity here named will be proper 

 for a mare or cow, a fourth part of which will be sufficient for a 

 sheep. And I should also state that, although my remarks 

 have been chiefly confined to parturition in the cow, still the 

 rules laid down are equally applicable to other animals. 



It was my original intention to have spoken of the consequences 

 of parturition and the diseases and casualties immediately con- 

 nected therewith, but having already exceeded the limits of an 

 ordinary lecture, I must bring our observations to a close, thank- 

 ing you sincerely for the kind attention I have received, and 

 expressing a hope that the principles I have laboured to expound 



