192 



THE DISEASES OB 1 THE DO(3. 



parietes in the bitch, often is felt lying below the level of 

 the symphysis, a dip or lateral bend is given to the hooks. 

 So simple is the crochet, which ought to be highly 

 polished in order to secure its being perfectly smooth. It 

 is first warmed and greased, then introduced with the 

 index finger of one hand, while the other guides the 

 instrument into the womb. The foetus is to be first 

 felt, and this is the more readily done if an assistant 

 supports and compresses the- abdomen. When the finger 

 has ascertained that the pup is favorably placed, the hook 

 (and I generally use the flattened extremity of the instru- 

 ment) is to be pushed forward and then retracted, until 

 the operator is aware that a firm hold has been obtained. 



Fia. 57. — Foetus in its membranes (Fekming). 



Chorion. In. Festal pup. h. Amnion, d. Umbilical vesicle. 

 g. Umbilical cord. b. Zonarv placenta. 



The purchase being secure, the finger is to be employed 

 to prevent the foetus from escaping, by pushing it 

 against or towards the point of the crochet and holding 



