Obstetric Outfits 613 



saries which the veterinarian should always carr^- in cases of 

 dystokia, but which we would prefer to not include within the 

 instrument case, but would carry in a second container. This, like 

 the instrument case, should be of a construction which would 

 render it capable of complete and thorough disinfection or sterili- 

 zation, and to this end we would have it constructed, like the 

 other, of canvas or of metal. In it we should carry : clothing 

 for the operator ; disinfectants, including creolin, lysol and 

 iodoform ; anaesthetics ; general operating instruments, includ- 

 ing a trachea tube and trocar ; hypodermic syringe ; strychnine 

 ergotine or other hypodermic remedies. 



In the experience of different practitioners, other apparatus or 

 materials may be suggested. Some of the German operators aim 

 to carry with them constantly some form of truss or bandage to 

 prevent prolapse of the uterus or vagina after parturition, while 

 others advise the carrying of an obstetric pulley or other means 

 for developing mechanical force. 



The Dress of the Operator. 



In dressing for an obstetric operation, the veterinarian should 

 have due regard for his personal health and comfort, for the 

 safety of himself and the animal from infection, and for conven- 

 ience and economy. He is quite unwarranted in going into 

 work with dirty clothing, which may be the bearer of serious in- 

 fection for the mother, and is equally unwarranted in ruining 

 expensive clothing in the course of his work. 



The habit of some veterinarians of wearing overalls which have 

 been used in general work and have been befouled with dis- 

 charges from suppurating wounds, putrid afterbirths or in pre- 

 vious cases of parturition, without having been thoroughly 

 washed and cleansed, cannot be too strongly condemned. 



Two features should be considered in the question of clothing. 

 It should afford the obstetrist ample protection from cold and 

 wet, and should be scrupulously clean. Whenever the weather 

 and surroundings will permit, one of the most convenient and 

 efficient methods for operating is for the practitioner to strip to 

 his waist line, and whenever conditions will not warrant this he 

 should, after stripping, put on a white blouse without sleeves, 

 which has been thoroughly washed and boiled and is at least 

 practically, if not technically sterile. If it is necessary for his 



