SECTION VII 



OBSTETRICS 



PARTURITION, and the diseases and accidents 

 incident to the puerperal condition, belong to 

 the general subject of obstetrics. 



The period of gestation in the bitch is sixty-three 

 days, or thereabout, and the act of parturition is 

 usually accomplished without assistance ; in fact, in- 

 terference, except in the case of , mal-presentations, 

 unduly protracted labor, or some abnormal condition, 

 is to be strictly avoided. The motto, "make haste 

 slowly," is most applicable here, since even in a 

 perfectly normal, healthy bitch labor may be ex- 

 tended over a considerable period of time. Unwar- 

 ranted interference is always liable to be followed 

 by disastrous results. 



The symptoms of approaching parturition are con- 

 siderable enlargement of the mammae and of the 

 external genitals; a glairy discharge from the vulva, 

 of which the mucous membrane, as well as that of 

 the vagina, is of a purplish-red color. Urination is 

 frequent and the bitch is restless, constantly seeking 

 a place which to her is the most suitable and se- 

 cluded in which to bring forth her young. 



A large, roomy, clean, dry kennel, or for a small 

 bitch a large box, should be provided and the bitch 

 placed therein as soon as labor begins, otherwise 

 she is liable to hide away in some more or less in- 

 accessible place, rendering observation and any nec- 

 essary help difficult or even impossible. As regards 

 bedding, there is nothing better, more cleanly, or 

 less liable to interfere with either the bitch, pups, 



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