ACCIDENTS AND OPERATIONS. 505 



highly disorganised state. From time to time injections of a 

 slight infusion of aromatic plants were introduced into the vagina, 

 and the animal was nourished with liquid food of easy digestion. 



" ' The first day passed without the animal being in the slightest 

 degree affected ; but on the following day, in despite of all our care, 

 an ichorus fluid was discharged, which the dog would lick not- 

 withstanding all our efforts to prevent it. The general health of 

 the animal did not seem to be in the slightest degree affected. We 

 continued our aromatic infusion and our regimen. 



" ' On the fourth day after the operation, the cords that had 

 served as a ligature fell off, and all suppuration from the part 

 gradually ceased. 



" ' October 20th. — Three months have passed since the operation, 

 and she is perfectly well.'" — Youatt on the Dog, pp. 225-230. 



ACCIDENTS AND OPERATIONS. 



Cuts, tears, and bites, unless they are very extensive, and are 

 therefore likely to occupy a long time in healing, are better left to 

 themselves, the dog's tongue being the best healing remedy. But 

 when a V-shaped flap is torn down, or a very long and straight 

 cut or tear is accidentally made, a few stitches should be put in 

 with a proper curved needle, armed with strong thread or silk. It 

 is only necessary to introduce the needle in two places on exactly 

 opposite sides, and then, an assistant drawing the skin together, 

 the ends are tied in a common knot, and cut off closely. When, 

 however, this plan is adopted, a muzzle must be worn as long as 

 the stitches are kept in,, because the dog never rests satisfied till 

 he has licked the knots open, or in some way with his teeth and 

 tongue has got rid of them. Wounds in the dog do not heal " by 

 the first intention," that is, in three or four days, as in man, but 



