I06 VETERINARY OBSTETRICS. 



may be difificult to retain it in position. Various 

 measures may be adopted for that purpose. 



The animal should have a full dose of sedative 

 medicine, as opium, chloral hydrate, belladonna, or 

 morphine ; and, if she is very weak, it may be com- 

 bined with stimulants. If this fails in preventing 

 straining, then mechanical means must be adopted, viz.: 

 Elevate the hind-quarters considerably ; pass a sur- 

 cingle, or rope, round the chest, and brace it up as 

 tightly as possible. 



Another method is by passing a piece of wood, 

 made smooth, with a circular head on it about three 

 and a half inches in diameter, through the vulva and 

 vagina, the head resting against the os ; and to the 

 external end of which two ropes are attached, one pass- 

 ing along each side, to a roller or surcingle round the 

 animal's chest. A similar method to this is adopted in 



I Fig. 45. 



Pad Pessary. 



buman practice, but an objection to it in veterinary 

 practice is, that the animal is continually changing posi- 

 ±ion, and, unless constantly watched,- may injure herself. 



Instead of a circular solid head, one in the form of 

 •a ring is sometimes used, it being covered with some 

 soft material, which embraces the os. These appli- 

 ances are known as pessaries. 



Another, and one which is very common, is closing 

 the vulvar opening by means of sutures. There are 



