DOGS! THEIR MANAGEMENT. 383 



ated by an imperfect knowledge. Let no one follow his 

 example ; but be passive till the time for action is ascer- 

 tained and it is of no use to grope for it. Frequent 

 examinations are injurious; the more seldom they are 

 made the better ; for, if undertaken only when the 

 judgment sees a chance of hope, no harm will be occa- 

 sioned. Under every delay, therefore, have patience ; 

 for often the pup which originally would resist every 

 attempt to bring it forth, will, after it has been dead a 

 few hours, be delivered with a facility we could not anti- 

 cipate. If the parts are not irritated and rendered dry, 

 there is little to be apprehended ; but if this be done, in- 

 flammation of the uterus is apt to be induced, and should 

 that occur, it is of little consequence to the life of the 

 bitch whether the pup be delivered or not delivered. 



From the pup, whether it be dead or alive, we are not 

 to look for those signs which denote there is a pressing 

 necessity to accomplish the delivery without delay. I 

 have known a foetus, after being ascertained to be dead, 

 to be retained four days, and the bitch to survive. In- 

 stances of the dead pup remaining in the womb a day or 

 two are very common ; and, if we had no other proofs, 

 these would be sufficient to convince us there need be no 

 immediate hurry. When, however, the bitch becomes 

 restless, gets in and out of her bed, pants, staggers, 

 refuses food, drinks largely, and is shortly afterwards 

 sick ; when the tongue becomes dry, and the pulse 

 grows quick and thin, or unnaturally hard and strong, 

 there is danger, and at every hazard delivery must be 



