And the too frequent tediousness of its labor

And the too frequent tediousness of its labor

And the too frequent tediousness of its labor

The principal obstruction to birth in the bitch springs from the weakness of the creature. To this its sufferings, and the too frequent tediousness of its labor, are to be mostly attributed. When there are evident signs of debility shown by the throes having subsided, and further evidenced by no symptom of their reappearance being witnessed after three or four hours' watching from a teaspoonful to a table-spoonful of brandy, mixed with sugar and cold water, may be administered; and in half an hour repeated, if it should have no effect. This I have seldom found to fail, and never have I known it to do injury; wherefore I prefer it to the ergot of rye, which in my hands has been uncertain and injurious. Patience, however, is more often needed, than stimulants required; and before the latter are resorted to, the symptoms of debility ought to be recognised; for without these be perceived, the passive condition of the uterus deserves no immediate attention.