378 DOGS : THEIR MANAGEMENT. 



ed to remove them. I may, however, here state, that, 

 when grasping the penis of the dog, a handkerchief or a 

 portion of tow will be required to render the hold secure ; 

 and the wire should, before the catheter is introduced, be 

 withdrawn, while it ought to be moistened with olive oil 

 to facilitate its passage, as the canal is not unfrequently 

 devoid of mucus." 



When the pup is partly born, and its passage appears 

 to be delayed, either through the feebleness of the throes 

 or some mechanical impediment, assistance should be 

 afforded. The restlessness of the bitch will, perhaps, be 

 the most proper indication ; and it is the more necessary 

 to be cautious in our interference, as, on account of the 

 size of the animal, the aid we can afford is limited. 

 When a paw is to be seen, this may be laid hold of ; but 

 not without the fingers being covered ; for, as the limb is 

 slippery, the force intended to secure it would hardly 

 render the grasp confirmed, and might crush the member. 

 The osseous structure in the pup at birth, as I have 

 already stated, is not consolidated ; and all other compo- 

 nents of the body are in a condition proportionally imma- 

 tured. The tiny being, when first brought into the 

 world, is little better than a living mass of pulp ; and on 

 that account, it must be gently handled. Far less vio- 

 lence than might be supposed requisite to do so, will dis- 

 member it ; and no vast force is needed to pull even the 

 head from the trunk. Aware of this, the efforts intended 

 for the delivery must be regulated by the power of the 

 substance to endure them. The practitioner must take a 



