m, and
the accumulation both by reason of the mechanical obstruction and the
pain caused by pressure upon it will impel the animal to cut short all
labor pains. The rounded swelling surrounding the anus will at once
suggest the condition, when the obstruction may be removed by the
well-oiled or well-soaped hand.

SPASM OF THE NECK OF THE WOMB.--This occurs in the mare of specially
excitable temperament, or under particular causes of irritation, local
or general. Labor pains, though continuing for some time, produce no
dilatation of the neck of the womb, which will be found firmly closed so
as to admit but one or two fingers; this, although the projection at the
mouth of the womb may have been entirely effaced, so that a simple round
opening is left, with rigid margins.

The simplest treatment consists in smearing this part with solid extract
of belladonna, and after an interval inserting the hand with fingers and
thumb drawn into the form of a cone, rupturing the membranes and
bringing the fetus into position for extraction, as advised under
"Prolonged retention of the fetus." Another mode is to insert through
the neck of the womb an ovoid rubber bag, empty, and furnished with an
elastic tube 12 feet long. Carry the free end of this tube upward to a
height of 8, 10, or 12 feet, insert a filler into it, and proceed to
distend the bag with tepid or warm water.

FIBROUS BANDS CONSTRICTING OR CROSSING THE NECK OF THE WOMB.--These,
occurring as the result of disease, have been several times observed in
the mare. They may exist in the cavity of the abdomen and compress and
obstruct the neck of the womb, or they may extend from side to side of
the vagina across and just behind the neck of the womb. In the latter
position they may be felt and quickly remedied by cutting them across.
In the abdomen they can be reached only by incision, and two
alternatives are presented: (1) To perform embryotomy and extract the
fetus piecemeal, and (2) to make an incision into the abdomen and
extract by the Caesarean operation, or simply to cut the constricting
band and attempt delivery by the usual channel.

FIBROUS CONSTRICTION OF VAGINA OR VULVA.--This is probably always the
result of direct mechanical injury and the formation of rigid cicatrices
which fail to dilate with the remainder of the passages at the approach
of parturition. The presentation of the fetus in the natural way and the
occurrence of successive and active labor pains w