243 



tion above alluded to. Another source of spasui 

 arises in the spasmodic twitchings in distemper, 

 which see. In madness also there are frequently 

 dreadful spasms, as there described. The bowels 

 are very liable to become spasjnodically afi'ected. In 

 all spasms, opium is the best means of relief, \vith the 

 assistance of the warm bath. 



SPAYING. 



This is a cruel and useless operation : it is fre- 

 quently practised to prevent inconvenience to the 

 owners ; but it should never be resorted to but in 

 cases where the omission of it would endanger the 

 life ; as some peculiarity that prevents a bitch pup- 

 ping with ease and safety ; or when a bitch has been 

 connected with and is found to be breeding by a dog 

 nmch larger than herself. In this case, as she would 

 probably die in pupping, it is not improper to re- 

 move the puppies at three or four weeks advance in 

 pregnancy. The operation is performed by making 

 an opening in the Hank on either side, and drawing 

 the ovaria out, which are then cut off. The pig 

 gelders, or other castraters, commonly perform the 

 operation w ith safety ; but it should never be resorted 

 to but from some of the foregoing causes. 



WASHING OF DOGS. 



This is a vei-y salutary and useful practice ; never- 

 theless from conducting the process injudiciously 

 much mischief is sometimes occasioned. Dogs should 

 be carefully rubbed dry after they have been washed. 

 I have known it in many instances, when this has 

 been ne^i^lected, to produce fatal colds, cholics, &c. 



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