CHAPTER IX. 



FUNCTIONS OF THE GENERATIVE ORGANS. 



(ESTRUM. BREEDING. PARTURITION. 



CESTRUM. 



CESTRUM, or the period at which sexual desires commence 

 is in the bitch an irregular function. Some animals only 

 become so affected once or twice a year, while others do so 

 much oftener. A mastiff-bitch belonging to myself, which 

 up to a late period in life remained barren, would almost 

 at any time allow connection. 



The signs of oestrum are not long manifested before 

 attention is attracted to the consequent change of condition 

 and manners of the animal. The usually morose bitch of 

 savage disposition suddenly becomes gentle and inclined 

 to caresses. The presence of a strange dog, to which she 

 has hitherto been noted for her antipathy, increases her 

 wish to fraternise, no matter of how low degree the animal 

 is ; every tempting posture >vill be exhibited, and every 

 means exerted to attract his notice and win his affections. 

 The generative organs externally are full, vascular and hot, 

 a glairy discharge issues from the vaginal orifice, which 

 rapidly increases in quantity and gradually changes in 

 character, becoming first blood-stained, and eventually 

 blood itself under an altered condition. There is also fre- 

 quent micturition. The duration of oestrum is usually from 

 ten to twenty days. 



During menstruation the animal is generally more or less 

 feverish, and it is therefore advisable, particularly itl high- 

 Hl 



