518 A LECTURE ON THE DISEASES INCIDENTAL TO 
if the parts continue tolerably relaxed, the calf may be ex- 
tracted in this position, taking care to direct its progress as much 
towards the tail of the mother as possible, which will give more 
room for the head ; such a delivery is invariably attended with 
greater difficulty than when the presentation is naturally ar- 
ranged. It is sometimes more advisable to turn the calf : this 
is to be effected by securing the legs and jaw, as before de- 
scribed ; afterwards pass the cord attached to the right leg 
under the head to the left side, which will enable us to turn it 
sufficiently to direct it for birth, as it will, in its progress out- 
wards, recover its proper position. 
The foregoing are some of the most frequent cases of mal- 
presentation to be met with in practice ; there are, of course, 
many others, arising both from the misplacement of the foetus, 
and also from congenital imperfections, such as hydrocephalus, 
dropsy, and general deformity ; but the same principles of action 
will guide us under all circumstances, and with proper mecha- 
nical assistance, aided by cautious perseverance, delivery may 
be mostly accomplished with safety to the cow, and very fre- 
quently to the offspring. 
Several diseases of an important character, and also other un- 
favourable occurrences, frequently follow the act of parturition. 
I allude especially to inflammation of the uterus ; inversion of 
the uterus; inversion of the bladder; retention of the placental 
membranes, or after-birth; and to parturient apoplexy, or drop- 
ping after calving; but to fully inquire into these several affec- 
tions would far exceed the limits of a single audience ; they 
must, therefore, furnish materials for a subject for future con- 
sideration. Yet, as I am desirous of offering a few remarks of 
a practical nature on the retention of the placenta, and inversion 
of the uterus, I will, with your permission, avail myself of the 
present opportunity. 
The cow and ruminants are far more subject to retention of 
the cleansing than other animals : this is, in a measure, to be 
attributed to the peculiar isolated and vascular arrangement of 
the mucous-membrane of the uterus, where it affords attachment 
to the placenta; it is also induced, by unequal contraction of the 
uterus, or contraction of the unimpregnated horn upon the mem- 
brane after the birth of the foetus. As the result of protracted 
labours, it is of very frequent occurrence ; in such cases, arising 
most probably, from a feebleness or want of power on the part 
of the uterus to effect the expulsion. It is always desirable that 
the afterbirth should be removed as soon after parturition as 
possible ; therefore, if we have reason to believe that its reten- 
tion is attributable to the latter cause, the hand should be in- 
troduced, and the umbilical cord gently pulled, when it will be 
