DOGS I THEIR MANAGEMENT. 377 



but not in all excite the uterus, and bring on vigorous 

 throes. The coldest water I could procure is that of the 

 temperature employed by me ; and it has seldom, to my 

 knowledge, been otherwise than beneficial. 



When the birth is long delayed, the bladder and rec- 

 tum should be examined and emptied of their contents 

 by means of the injection-pipe and catheter. To draw 

 off the urine of the bitch is not difficult or dangerous. A 

 knowledge of the situation of the meatus, or termination 

 of the urethra, is necessary to the operation ; and this is 

 best obtained by dissection. It lies within the pelvis, a 

 short way anterior to the brim, and above the symphysis 

 of the ischium. I know that while endeavoring to ex- 

 plain, I am here making use of words which will to the 

 majority of readers convey no meaning ; nevertheless, I 

 cannot be more clear. I have, however, in a communica- 

 tion to the Veterinarian, entered into this matter ; and I 

 here extract from that journal part of a paper published 

 in the number for January, 1849 : 



" With regard to the bitch, I always let the animal 

 stand upon her legs, simply having an assistant to hold 

 the head and engage the attention of the creature. The 

 meatus lies about half an inch or two inches within the 

 pelvis, the distance varying with the size of the dog. 

 The line of the urethra is rather forward than downward, 

 though, of course, in both directions. After having once 

 or twice passed the instrument, it is surprising how very 

 readily this conjectured impossibility is performed. I 

 think so little of the difficulties, that I have no inclina- 

 tion to dilate upon the few precautions which are requir- 



