COMPLICATIONS INCIDENT TO PARTURITION. 291 



and incipient blood-poisoning, as indicated by a dry, brown 

 tongue, rapid, feeble pulse, great prostration, much nausea, 

 etc. prompt action is demanded, and unless she is soon 

 relieved death will ensue. 



All other means failing, opening the abdomen under 

 antiseptic precautions is justifiable, and in skillful hands 

 may prove successful After such an operation some 

 thoroughly competent person should watch the bitch and 

 keep her quiet, feed her, and in all respects meet her needs 

 for the first twenty-four hours at least. 



When should ergot of rye be given? Manifestly, as 

 its action is to increase the uterine contractions, not when 

 there is any obstruction from imperfect dilatation of the 

 mouth of the womb, or any other impediment ; but if the 

 passages are dilated and covered with lubricating mucus, 

 and the uterus at fault from inactivity, ergot may be 

 given, always bearing in mind its danger to the young if 

 they are not speedily expelled. 



Very often a little whisky (one to two teaspoonfuls) 

 given in a small quantity of beef tea, fluid beef, or milk and 

 egg, or, if the stomach is not in a condition to bear these, 

 simply in a small quantity of water, will result in calling 

 forth efforts to a successful issue. Cold cloths applied over 

 the lower abdomen are often effective in rousing the 

 uterus to more vigorous efforts. 



Post-partum Fever. It is well, after the labor is over, to 

 renew the bedding of the bitch, cleanse her behind with a 

 weak solution of carbolic acid (one to eighty), dry well, 

 and place the puppies at the breast. 



Some, but not all, bitches show an elevation of tempera- 

 ture of one degree to two degrees within the first day and 



