318 A TEXT-BOOK OF VETERINABY OBSTETRICS
before commencing extraction. With this method there is a
serious danger of rupture of the uterus and perinseum.
Enibryotomy is much to be preferred to forced extraction,
both in the mare and cow. It should be resorted to as
quickly as possible when the foetus is dead, or the head
cannot be reached and adjustment is impossible. The more
advanced liinb—i.e., the one on the opposite side from the head
—should be removed subcutaneously at the shoulder. Some-
times that is all that is necessary to allow the head to be
adjusted, or, at any rate, to permit of delivery. With the
calf both limbs have usually to be removed; or one limb
removed, the thorax opened, and evisceration carried out.
Frequently then the head and neck can be put straight, and
in any case the foetus may be removed by traction.
In the dorso-pubic or dorso-ilial positions, the deviations
should first be corrected and then rotation practised. The
other indications are similar to those noted for the dorso-
sacral position.
If misdirection of one or both fore-limbs complicates this
condition, then the limbs must first be adjusted before dealing
with the head and neck. The feet and head should be secured
with ropes as early as possible.
With the ewe and goat this deviation must be remedied by
forced extraction with the short blunt hook or finger hook,
the fore-limbs of the foetus being manipulated so as to push
away the unencumbered shoulder into the uterus, and bring
forward that round which the neck bends. A small hand
may be inserted to correct the wrong direction of the neck.
With the bitch and sow these deviations are extremely
rare. When they do occur, a lubricant should be injected, the
hind-limbs raised, and the foetus pushed back with the tip of
the fingers into the uterus* Sometimes manipulation of the
abdomen by the hand permits of correction of the direction
of the head, and causes it to pass into the pelvis, where it is
extracted with the aid of blunt hooks and forceps.
Where manipulation does not cause any improvement,
hysterectomy or the more risky Caesarian section should be
resorted to before the foetus undergoes decomposition or the
mother becomes exhausted.