DIFFICULT PARTURITION (DYSTOKIA) 313 



The same applies in cats, the common house cat causing far 

 less anxiety on this account than the highly-bred Persian. 



Breech presentations are usually dealt with successfully, 

 but, on account of resistance of the hair and the absence of 

 the gradual dilatation of the pelvis which the nose and head 

 cause, theyare apt to be a source of trouble, and to necessi- 

 tate professional aid. 



Monstrosities of all kinds, from twin monsters with six or 

 eight legs, and perhaps double bodies, to merely dropsical 

 skulls, are frequently met with, and one must not forget that 

 it is by no means impossible to have two puppies at once, 

 either completely or partially, in the body of the womb. 

 Careful examination should therefore always be made, as far 

 as is possible in the limited space at disposal, before exces- 

 sive force is used to drag on a projecting limb. 



The illustration shown in Fig. 194 was reported in the Vclcriiuiry 

 Record iox September 15, 1900, by Mr. A. S. Hodgkins, and represented 

 one of a fox-terrier litter. The hanging lump was attached to the navel 

 of a Avell-developed male puppy, and consisted of a peculiar torpedo- 

 shaped portion of the body, with two well-developed feet of a second 

 puppy. The little animal lived for twenty-four hours, and was then 

 destroyed. 



Principles of Treatment, 



The main principles of treatment consist in the application 

 of a knowledge of the anatomical relations of the parts, an 

 infinity of patience, and great delicacy of manipulation both 

 of the fingers and of instruments. It is really astonishing 

 how much can be done with the patient and persistent 

 application of one or two fingers, and how a case which 

 has seemed almost hopeless at the commencement will be 

 successfully negotiated within half an hour. 



In regard to instruments, it is a matter for congratulation, 

 both to the owner of a favourite dog or cat in parturition 

 trouble and also to the poor beast itself, that the day has 

 gone past when the only instrument the obstetrician could 



