932 Veterinary Obstetrics 



milk or teat tube, which is inserted into the milk canal. This 

 form of apparatus is probabl}^ the most objectionable of any 

 that has been devised, because the filter is difficult of steriliza- 

 tion and, becoming befouled, acts as a constant menace to the 

 udder of the patient. 



The simplest apparatus, the one which can be most readily 

 sterilized by boiling, is the best. There is no great danger of 

 the introduction of infection with the air which is introduced, if 

 moderate care is taken not to stir up dust in the stall while the 

 operation is in progress, and this danger may be eliminated in a 

 variety of ways which are very simple. If a wash-bottle is con- 

 structed, and the air be forced through the water, and thence 

 into the udder, any floating particles of dirt will be retained in 

 the water, leaving the air free from infection. 



Laymen have used the ordinary bicj'cle pump for injecting air 

 into the udder, and the process has been bitterly criticised by 

 some veterinarians. Such a pump, or one on a similar plan, with 

 very ordinary precautions, is safer than the apparatus usually 

 sold for the purpose. A pump of this type, with sterilizable 

 piston, can be made a very convenient and safe appliance. It 

 may be enclosed in a sterilizable metal case, and kept sterilized 

 ready for use. At time of use, a few layers of sterile gauze over 

 the intake effectively filter the air. 



A very convenient and safe apparatus for the work is the 

 oxygen, or compressed air tank. Under proper precautions, the 

 tank may be charged by the practitioner with either air or oxygen, 

 and is ready for safe use at any moment. The tube for insertion 

 into the teat may be carried in alcohol, so that it, too, is ready 

 in a moment. 



A yet more convenient and safer apparatus for the inflation of 

 the udder may be readily arranged by having a very small and 

 strong compressed air tank, fitted with an opening armed with a 

 stop cock. It could be made of the size of a pint bottle, and 

 strong enough to contain sufficient air for the inflation of an 

 udder. Two or more such tanks could be kept on hand so that 

 one may always be charged and ready for use. The detached 

 tube may be enclosed in a sterilizable metal container and quickly 

 prepared for use. 



The tank may be charged by the veterinarian, the air being 

 filtered through sterile gauze as it enters the pump. Thus 



