239 



PUPPING. 



Great numbers of do^s die every year in bringing 

 forth their young. A life of art has brought the 

 human curse upon tliem; and they seem, in common 

 with then- owners, to be doomed in sorrow and pain 

 to bring forth. 



When bitches are at heat, care should be taken to 

 prevent their intercourse with dogs much larger than 

 themselves, otherwise they are very frequently de- 

 stroyed from the size of the pups being such, that 

 they cannot bring them into the world. [See Spay- 

 ing]. Cats, as being nearly all of one size, seldom 

 die in kittening. All dogs who are much domesticated 

 and confined are subject to ditRcuIty in bringing 

 forth. Sometimes the constitution is not equal to 

 the exertion, and sometimes there is false presenta- 

 tion. Whenever there appears dilliculty which has 

 existed more than three hours, the bitch sliould be 

 examined, and, if a puppy presents any of its parls, 

 so as to be reached with tlie tincer, if possible a 

 skain of worsted should be fastened around it, and 

 during the throes of the animal it should be gently 

 pulled at. If it cannot be reached this way, a pair 

 of forceps may be used. It is a good practice to 

 give a jnild purgative as soon as any symptoms of 

 pupping appear ; and, in case of difSculty, it is of 

 the utmost consequence to bathe in w arm water, and 

 to 2five occasional doses of laudanum. 



The Cesarian operation never succeeds, though \ 

 have frequently tried it with every attention. 



PURGING. See Looseness, 



