3L0 ON THE CAESAREAN OPERATION. 
as the muscular fibres, and, above all, never to sever a muscle if 
it can be avoided. It may be a doubt with some what part we 
ought to prefer laying open, whether along the linea alba or in 
the flank ; but I think, with Mr. Hayes, that the latter is by far 
the most preferable place ; since, in the former situation, “ we 
should not be able to keep the lips of the wound approximated 
by sutures or bandages, on account of the depending state of 
the abdomen and its contents.” There certainly would be the 
advantage in opening the linea alba, that the aperture would 
permit the exit of any fluid which might be effused into the 
abdomen, or of any pus or serum from the wound, better than 
the flank. 
We ought to commence our incision in the right flank, about 
two or three inches anterior to, and a little below, the haunch, 
and continue it from above, below and behind, forwards, first 
through the skin, then through the muscles and peritoneum, for 
ten or twelve inches (in the cow), according to the size of the 
animal or to the extent of opening required for the foetus. We 
must then search out either for the head and fore legs, or for 
the hinder parts of the foetus, over which we must make the 
necessary longitudinal incision through the uterus and placental 
membranes. Next, we should search for the umbilical cord, 
and pass two ligatures on it, between which it is to be divided. 
Afterwards, carefully remove the placenta, and every thing that 
may happen to be in the uterus, or that has escaped into the 
cavity of the abdomen. 
Having proceeded thus far in the operation, we must now 
insert two o. three sutures into the wound in the uterus, so as 
to bring the divided edges together; we must also return the 
intestines into the abdomen ; after which we may slacken the 
rope that has held the off hind leg, whereby the edges of the 
wound will more approximate. This done, we shall also be 
able to insert sutures through the skin and muscular parietes of 
the abdomen. When the parts have become dry, we may apply 
a charge, adhesive plaster, or pasted roller bandages round the 
body over the upper parts of the wound. The cow or mare may 
now be made to rise, with as little struggling as possible. The 
wound must be attended to with every care, being of a highly 
serious nature. The diet should be for a time spare, composed 
of gruel, mashes, ground oats, a few turnips, and but little hay: 
in short, her stomachs and intestines must not be distended, if 
possible, with any thing having a tendency to force open the 
wound or to produce irritation or fever in the system. If pain 
or fever should come on, enforce the anodyne and antiphlogistic 
treatment with boldness, yet with every caution, and do not 
carry purgatives to too great an extent. 
