Pupping] 2 5° [Pupping 



passage, the result of injury to the pelvic bones, as 

 when a bitch has been run over across the hips, or 

 as the result of congenital deformity of these parts. 

 There is nothing to be done in these cases but to 

 have the Caesarean operation performed, when 

 some of the puppies may be saved and the bitch 

 too, if the operation is done in good time. 



There is another form of stricture of the vagina, 

 and it is generally found just inside the vulva. It 

 is due to a strong band of mucous membrane, 

 which refuses to dilate as the surrounding parts 

 do at this time, and in some cases it is so strong 

 that one is not able to dilate it in the ordinary way; 

 therefore, the only thing to do is to cut through 

 it with a blunt-pointed knife (bistoury), which I 

 generally do at the side, and always with good 

 result. 



Difficulties arise at parturition in consequence 

 of the unnatural position of the foetus ; a puppy 

 should come with the head first, the nose extended, 

 and the fore legs placed one on either side of the 

 neck. Another easy position for birth is when 

 the hind legs come first, but in these cases, 

 unless the puppy is delivered quickly, it dies 

 from asphyxia. 



From some unaccountable reason a foetus fre- 

 quently assumes a wrong position, which renders 

 its birth extremely difficult. In such cases it is 

 useless giving ecbolics or medicines to stimulate 

 the labour pains, but means must be taken to 

 place the puppy, if possible, in a proper position, 

 and then a dose of ergotine is useful. Perhaps 

 the most common malposition is when both fore 



