302 KENNEL SECRETS. 



sheep dog, which is not, as some suppose, generally born 

 without full length of tail, although occasional instances 

 of its being wanting very likely occur. 



An old practice was that of removing two, three or 

 more joints from the tails of pointers and setters, the 

 reason advanced being that they were less liable to keep 

 the ends sore from whipping in the brush. But this has 

 fortunately fallen into disuse. 



Docking is best done about the tenth day after birth, 

 as the bone is then scarcely more than cartilage, and only 

 trifling hemorrhage results. The operation consists in 

 simply removing as much of the tail as desired, and by 

 the means of very blunt scissors, that the tendons may be 

 drawn out — not severed as would be the case were a 

 sharp instrument employed. And drawing the tendons 

 leads to a lower carriage of the tail, which is desirable, as 

 most of the short-tail kind are inclined to carry this appen- 

 dage too high. 



In docking mature animals and a nice finish is desired, 

 an incision should be made obliquely on both sides of the 

 tail, which should then be unjointed, the lateral sacral 

 artery taken up and the edges of the flaps drawn and 

 stitched together. After which the patient should be 

 muzzled to prevent his disturbing the stitches. While 

 operating, the tail should be very tightly ligated at the 

 base to obviate hemorrhage. In dressing the wound the 

 ordinary antiseptic precautions should be taken, as after 

 all operations. 



Dew-claws are simply supplementary toes on the insides 

 of the hind legs, slightly above the feet. There was a 

 time when some value was attached to them in St. Ber- 

 nards by authorities and breeders, it being held that they 

 were of assistance to these animals and prevented their 

 breaking through the snow. They were also considered 



