Abnormal  Calving:     This  is  a  condition  where  the


102  THE    VETERINARIAN

foetus  is  not  normally  presented,  as  that  just  described.
Their  feet  may  be  presented  in  a  normal  manner,  but
the  head  and  neck  twisted  back  or  to  one  side,  or  the
head  and  one  fore  foot  may  be  presented  normally,  while
the  other  fore  foot  is  doubled  back,  or  there  may  be  a
breech  presentation  as  the  rump  of  a  foetus  with  both
hind  feet  thrown  close  to  its  body.  This  is  a  very  diffi-
cult presentation,  especially  if  in  a  young  animal.  A
foetus  abnormally  presented  requires  good  judgment
and  cleanliness,  also  lubrication  of  the  walls  of  the  womb
with  unsalted  Lard,  Cotton  or  Sweet  Oil.  Endeavor  to
place  the  foetus  in  as  near  a  normal  position  as  possi-
ble before  any  force  is  used  in  its  delivery,  although
where  both  hind  feet  are  presented,  it  is  advisable  to  re-
move it  in  this  position.  The  hands  and  ropes  should  be
clean  and  washed  with  a  ^ve  per  cent  solution  of  Carbolic
Acid.  It  is  not  only  dangerous  to  the  animal,  but  to  the
operator  as  well,  if  proper  antiseptic  precautions  are  not
practiced.
Space  does  not  permit  me  going  into  details  on  various
foetal  presentations  nor  does  it  permit  me  to  explain  the
exact  methods  or  operations  I  would  use  in  each  par-
ticular case.  Nevertheless,  good  judgment  and  cleanli-
ness are  important.  Do  not  hurry.  Take  your  time,  and
you  will  be  successful  in  most  cases.
