334 BREEDING 



no one but an experienced veterinary surgeon should be allowed to perform; 

 so it is not necessary to give it here. 



"Prolapsus or inversion of the womb or uterus into the vagina some- 

 times, but very rarely, occurs during parturition, due to very severe strain- 

 ing, or as the result of too much force being used to remove a puppy with 

 forceps or by other artificial means. Care must be taken in these cases 

 not to mistake protrusion of the uterus with prolapsus of the vagina, or a 

 polypus. The latter may be recognized as a solid pear-shaped body with 

 a narrow neck, whilst a prolapsed vagina is generally a large solid oval 

 body which almost fills the vaginal canal if it does not protrude externally; 

 it has a broad base and rises at the back part of the passage just behind 

 the meatus or opening of the bladder. The uterus is soft, reducible, and 

 rough and tubular in shape, besides showing dark-colored patches where 

 the placentae have been attached. 



"After the womb has been cleansed by being sponged with a weak, 

 tepid solution of Condy's Fluid or permanganate of potash, it should, if 

 possible, be returned by gentle pressure on the fundus of the uterus with a 

 piece of whalebone with the point covered with sponge; the returning is 

 assisted if the hind legs are raised in part by the bitch being held upside 

 down. Care must be taken not to use undue force or the uterus may be 

 ruptured. After the return it is a good plan to inject a quantity of cold 

 water into the vagina to act as an astringent. 



"When the protruding uterus shows signs of having been injured or 

 is much congested, or decomposition has set in, amputation is advisable. 

 This is best done by drawing the part gently out and applying a strong lig- 

 ature as high up as possible and cutting off the free portion." 



In the June number of the Kennel Gazette (Eng.) Mr. Sewell takes up 

 the care of the mother and puppies, and, judging from the serious losses 

 which occur in almost every kennel from carelessness, or worse, kennel 

 managers cannot read the following too carefully, and even the veterans 

 may gain a wrinkle or two: 



"When the bitch has finished pupping she should be made comfortable 

 by renewing her bedding and given some warm milk. As to the bedding, 

 there is nothing better than straw, laid straight across the box and changed 

 daily. I do not like mats or cloths even for small dogs in these cases, for 

 they become so quickly foul. When the bitch has had a large litter or 

 has had a bad time, it is a good plan to give the yolk of an egg, beaten up 

 with milk and a little brandy; or, if the bitch is inclined to vomit, some beef 

 tea or Bovine — a small quantity every hour. This may even be occasionally 

 given before the bitch has finished having all her puppies, if she appears 

 very exhausted. A few hours later in ordinary cases, when all is going 

 well, some thin oatmeal gruel, which is the best food for the next two or 

 three days, may be given. When the bitch seems disinclined to take suf- 

 ficient milk gruel, sheep's head' broth, thickened with fine oatmeal, may 

 be ordered, and even bread and milk or gravy. After the third day, more 

 .solid food may be given, as crushed biscuit or boiled rice, with sheep's head 

 broth and .the meat from the bones added; also a little fish, and if the 

 bitiJh is not feeding well, milk may be given to drink instead of water. As 

 time goes on, especially when there is a large litter, more nourishment is 

 required, and the food must be increased by degrees so that the bitch 

 is kept in fairly good condition, though of course not made fat, or the 

 secretion of milk may be checked and the puppies will suffer. 



Some bitches are so zealous in their care of the puppies, more espe- 

 cially at first, that their health suffers in consequence. In such cases the 

 dam must be made to go out to relieve herself, particularly the bladder. I 

 have seen very severe cases of illness caused by the mother not leaving her 

 puppies, and in two instances death was the result of the bladder becom- 

 ing over-distended and not being emptied. The condition of the bowels 

 also sometimes requires attention, but, as a rule, when the bitch has been 

 allowed to follow her natural desires and she has eaten the foetal mem- 

 branes, the bowels are often relaxed in the course of a day or two, and so 

 long as it is not severe, no notice may be taken of it, but when there is 



