842 Veterinary Obstetrics 



which can be held firmly agkinst the vulva of the patient, in a 

 way to compress the opening and to offer thereby a more or less 

 effective obstacle against the protrusion of the uterus or vagina. 

 They are made in a great variety of patterns, and of various 

 materials. Usually they are constructed of cord. For this 

 purpose two pieces of cord about ^ inch in diameter and 12 to 

 15 feet in length are used. Each is double in the center, and 

 the two are united by a loop in their middle, in a way to leave 

 an oval space somewhat in the form of a ring, which will sur- 

 round and include the vulvar opening, but not completely close 

 it. The two free ends of one of these cords are then passed 

 downward between the hind legs, on either side of the udder, 

 and thence forward to be attached to a collar placed about the 

 neck. The free ends of the other cord are carried upward, one 

 on either side of the tail, and then forward along the back, and 

 secured to the collar at the top of the neck. The cords are then 

 drawn sufficiently tight to exert compression upon the vulva. 



Such a truss will remain in position better if another cord 

 be passed around the loins, firmly attached to each of the 

 longitudinal cords at the point of crossing, and then tied tightly 

 around the body. 



Such a cord not only retains the others in position, but when 

 drawn tight about the loins tends to stop straining. A second 

 cord, passed around the chest in a similar manner, further aids 

 in keeping the truss in position. 



Other forms of the rope truss are suggested in great variety 

 by different obstetrists. Some construct a truss from a band of 

 leather, in which they make openings corresponding approxi- 

 mately to the anus and vulva. The appliance is retained in 

 position in a similar manner to the rope truss. Other obstetrists 

 prefer a metallic loop, through which compression is to be exerted 

 upon the vulva. This apparatus is maintained in position by 

 cords somewhat similar to the rope truss. 



With most veterinary obstetrists the truss holds first place as 

 a means for retaining the uterus, after it has once been pro- 

 lapsed. Its efficiency is somewhat questionable in so far as its 

 direct influence is concerned. If the cord about the loins is 

 kept quite tight, it may prevent the animal from straining, and 

 consequently tend to obviate the prolapse of the organ. In 

 our experience, if an animal strains severely the truss is wanting 



