342 DOGS: THEIR MANAGEMENT. 



irritated by the presence of a foreign growth. The parts 

 subsequently seem to be swollen, and the animal does 

 not appear otherwise affected. At length something red 

 and glistening is remarked to protrude. It is seen occa- 

 sionally, and then withdrawn ; but most generally it 

 appears subsequent to the urine having been voided. 

 Ultimately, however, it constantly hangs out ; and as, 

 when exposed, it annoys the animal, it may be injured, 

 and bleed freely. 



The practitioner must cautiously examine the part. 

 Before he makes up his mind concerning the nature of 

 that which is presented, he must assure himself that the 

 womb has not become inverted. I was once requested 

 by a veterinary surgeon to see him remove a polypus 

 from the vagina of a bitch, as he had determined to ex- 

 cise it. Luckily I went, and saved him from cutting 

 away the animal's uterus, which would assuredly have 

 destroyed her. A contrary course was pursued, and 

 that dog, in three days afterwards, was returned to its 

 master well. The following particulars will enable him 

 who may be in such a difficulty to discriminate the uterus 

 from a polypus. 



The uterus is soft, but rough when exposed ; no ves- 

 sels are to be seen upon its surface ; it does not shine ; 

 it is not round or pear-shaped ; it feels like a thick 

 empty sac, aud never appears upon pressure to contain 

 any substance ; it cannot be traced to any stalk-like at- 

 tachment, and, if returned, the situation it will occupy de- 

 notes the position it was ordained to hold. 



