106 VETERINARY OBSTETRICS. 
may be difficult 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 
Fic. 45. 
PAD PESSARY. 
human practice, but an objection to it in veterinary 
practice is, that the animal is continually changing posi- 
tion, 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 
