CHAPTER XXI 



DIFFICULT PARTURITION (DYSTOKIA) 



On account of the frequent necessity for surgical interference 

 at time of labour, no book on canine or feline surgery could 

 be considered to be complete without a reference to the 

 above subject. 



Difficulty in getting rid of the foetus at time of accouche- 

 ment is apt to be met with in all breeds of dogs and cats. 

 Those which have short square heads, such as bulldogs and 

 Japanese, are an especial source of trouble ; terriers, grey- 

 hounds, borzois, and those breeds whose puppies have long, 

 wedge-shaped heads which gradually dilate the pelvis, stand 

 a much better chance of passing through the ordeal without 

 assistance. 



The comparatively short fore-legs and heavy shoulders of 

 the bull puppy are continually in the way, and are a frequent 

 cause of dystokia. 



The difficulties may be directly due to some defect on 

 the part of the bitch, in which it is termed maternal dystokia ; 

 or on the part of the puppy, in which the case is said to be 

 one of fcetal dystokia. 



Maternal Dystokia. 



The principal causes of maternal dystokia are — 

 I. A pelvis which will not in any way dilate, or which is 

 malformed from accident or disease. 



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