Obstetric Outfits 6ii 



The bar handle is efficient, but we believe it less convenient for 

 grasping than the ring, and the projecting bars tend to catch 

 against objects. 



Obstetric Outfits. 



We have already asserted that the veterinarian should have 

 ready at hand an outfit for obstetrics, which he can secure 

 promptly upon the receipt of a call, knowing that he will have 

 in his possession every instrument and appliance or other ma- 

 terial which the exigencies of difficult labor may demand. Instru- 

 ment makers in many instances prepare sets of obstetric instruments 

 in neat cases, which are very convenient in so far as the instru- 

 ments themselves are concerned. They contain, as a general 

 rule, an extensive array of instruments which, in many cases, are 

 better fitted to impress the bystander than to accomplish efficient 

 work. The obstetrist's outfit need not be expensive nor consist of 

 a great number of instruments or appliances. We would suggest, 

 as a simple outfit of instruments, the following articles, as shown 

 in Fig. io6 : 



I. Two %. inch cotton cords, two yi inch cotton cords, one yi, 

 inch' cotton cord, each 4 or 5 feet in length, with a pre- 

 pared loop at one end, and the other securely wound with thread 

 to prevent untwisting ; 2. long, blunt hook ; 3. short blunt hook ; 

 4. chisel ; 5. repeller ; 6. finger-knife ; 7. scalpel ; 8. injecting 

 pump. We use a small pump to which is attached a pure gum 

 horse stomach tube to serve as tube and nozzle. The apparatus 

 is simple, easily cleaned, withstands boiling perfectly, and the 

 distal end of the tube is sufficiently rigid to serve all purposes of 

 a nozzle, while so pliable, well-rounded, smooth and soft that it 

 cannot well injure even very delicate tissues. The horse stom- 

 ach tube with an ordinary funnel makes an excellent gravity in- 

 jector, in some respects preferable to the pump. It is quite as 

 efficient and durable, is cheaper, and Hghter to carry. 



These instruments we would have placed, in an orderly manner, 

 in a compact case of metal (tinned copper) or in a canvass roll, 

 so that we could at any time thoroughly disinfect the case, either 

 with or without the instruments, by immersing it in an antiseptic 

 fluid or by boiling. The tinned copper case could be filled with 

 hot water and placed upon a stove, where it could be boiled for 

 any length of time desired, and both the case and contained in- 

 struments rendered thoroughly sterile. 



