PARTURITION. 349 



until the chest is in the passage. When thus much is 

 accomplished, the rest will generally be easy. 



Instruments should never be resorted to until the 

 strength of the bitch is evidently exhausted, or till the 

 throes have ceased, when the pups assuredly are dead. 

 Then a hook, resembling a button-hook, but with the 

 extremity much more rounded, must be taken ; and 

 the forefinger of the left hand having been introduced, 

 the hook is slid along, being completely guarded by 

 the finger; the instrument is thus introduced into the 

 mouth of a foetus, in case the presentation is natural; 

 and into the pelvic cavity should the breach be most 

 forwards. The pup being then gently, but somewhat 

 firmly, pulled forward may often be extracted. 



Soothing and gentle treatment will avail more here 

 than any force that could be used. 



Inversion of the womb sometimes takes place. If it 

 is immediately and carefully returned, there may be 

 little danger; but if considerable straining should 

 continue, a full stream of the coldest water should be 

 injected until the dog by crying announces that the 

 uterus has contracted. This having been heard, the 

 animal should be left to enjoy repose and quiet for 

 some hours. 



After the bitch has pupped she should be left as 

 much as possible to herself; for she will then be far 

 more likely to do well than when disturbed by the 

 kindest nursing. She may be suffered to eat and 

 drink as usual; for it is rarely that any fever ensues, 

 save from two causes. 



If her young ones, or all except one, are cruelly 

 taken from her, because there may perchance be a 

 stain in their pedigree, nature will continue to secrete 



