CHAPTER V. 



BITCH SPAYING 



Objects and Indications—Bitches are spayed to prevent estrum (heat) 

 and breeding. A bitch in heat is an ideal illustration of a private as well 

 as a public nuisance. She is undesirable at home and unwelcome abroad. 

 To obviate this, spaying is the only recourse. The spayed bitch is a more 

 desirable animal in many respects tlian the unspayed one. She remains 



Fig. 180 — Wound retractor actual size. 



contented at home. She is more kind, docile and reliable than the entire 

 bitch. 



Age — To secure the best results it is advisable to spay the bitch puppy 

 before she comes in estrum for the first time. The preferable age is three 

 to .six months, though many operate before the puppies are weaned. Aged 



Fig. 181 — Surgeon's full curved needle No. 5. actual size. 



bitches that have given birth to several litters of puppies sometimes develop 

 a tendency to lay on excessive fat when spayed ; this is particularly true of 

 collies. The reason for this is not clear. It may be due to contentment with 

 its lot, which occasions less exercise than running over half a township, and 

 the further fact that being at home all the time, meals are more regular 

 and more numerous for the spayed animal than for the prowling nuisance. 

 Season — An.ytime when the animal is not in heat. 



