188 
THE VETERINARY SCIENCE 
minutes. Should there be difficulty it is well to pull upon 
the legs while she is straining. Generally the cleaning comes 
away with the foal. Should the cleaning come away without 
being broken there is danger of the colt being smothered, 
so it is better for someone to be around during delivery to 
break the cleaning, or after-birth, and save the foal from 
smothering, should this be necessary. 
4. Navel String (Umbilical Cord). 
Should this cord not break immediately a/ter deliver_y, 
with a piece of shoe string tie it very tightly one inch from 
the belly, then cut the navel cord an inch below where it is 
tied on that side next to the mother. Leave the string on 
till it drops oflf. This prevents bleeding. 
5. The Natural way for the Foal to Come. 
The foal should come with front quarters first, the front 
feet and head comuig together. 
II. — Difficulties Met With in Foaling. 
Should delivery not take place in half an hour after the 
water bag comes, it is safe to conclude that everything is not 
as it should be. When conditions are natural a mare is 
usually delivered in a few minutes. It is better to make an 
examination and rectify whatever is found wrong at once, as 
it is much easier done at this time than in a couple of hours, 
and at the same time prompt action may save the life of the 
mare as well as that of the colt. 
6. Neck of the Womb Closed. 
In some cases the labor pains come on but delivery is 
prevented because of the neck of the womb being closed. In 
many cases it is possible to open the entrance to the womb 
by oiling the hand, inserting it into the passage and working 
about the opening with the fingers. Should this be impos- 
sible saturate a sponge with extract of belladonna and bathe 
the neck of the womb. A few minutes after this operation 
the opening may be efifected easily. 
7. Dropsy of the Belly of the Foal. 
Should there be difficulty after the appearance of the 
legs and head it is reasonable to conclude -that there is some- 
thing not right. Use gentle force by pulling. Should this not 
be successful oil the hand and arm or lubricate well with 
