140 DIFFICULT PARTURITION IN A BITCH. 
the vagina, so that, when the foetus was attempted to be extracted, 
a great deal of puckering of the folds of the vagina preceded the 
coming of the foetus, which was frequently obliged to be pushed 
back, and every means made use of to prevent the folds from 
gathering, except taking the foetus away by piecemeal. By the 
assistance, however, of three men and two boys to the ropes, the 
calf being already dead, in about fifteen or twenty minutes the 
foetus was extracted, though it was evident on the slightest in- 
spection that the vagina was extensively lacerated. I therefore 
advised the owner to have her slaughtered immediately, to which 
he consented. On post-mortem examination, the vagina, close to 
the os uteri, proved ruptured half through its circumference. I have 
given this case to shew how necessary it is to examine per vaginam 
all animals when parturition does not go on to its conclusion in 
the course of a few hours. Indeed, I feel no hesitation in saying, 
that this cow, if she had had help at a proper time, together with 
her calf, might have been saved. 
Case II. 
Difficult Parturition in a Bitch. 
One also of Neglect, somewhat similar to the first. 
Dec. ^Bth, 1847. — A bitch, of the small spaniel breed, was 
brought to my house by Mr. Stephen Terry, in consequence of 
having, for two days and nights, been exhibiting symptoms of par- 
turition, and during that time having taken no food. She at this 
time appeared extremely weak. A little stimulant was given, and, 
on examination, per vaginam, the hind extremities of a pup were 
found to be impacted therein. I informed the owner I was afraid 
Nature was too far spent to bear up under the operation, and he 
must not be surprised if the bitch sank during it. However, with 
my forceps I succeeded in extracting one pup and half of another 
by piecemeal, the remaining half of which fell back into the 
extreme end of one of the horns of the uterus, and so foiled my 
attempts at recovering it, since I could introduce no more than one 
finger. I therefore advised the owner that we should leave her 
until morning. She was accordingly made as comfortable as 
possible for the night, but was found dead in the morning. On 
post-mortem examination, the fore part of a pup was found, as 
above stated. 
