8 Jan., 1907.] 



Diseases of Farm Animals. 



59 



alcohol merely acting as a blending agent). Methylated chloroform is 

 found to be as safe and effective for veterinary patients as pure chloro- 

 form, and it is much less expensive — a consideration that cannot be ignored 

 in view of the dose required for the larger animals. 



Fig. 3. — Chloroform mask for horses. 



Horses to be chloroformed should always be first thrown. The effect 

 of the drug in some cases is to produce a primary delirium, during, which 

 the animal becomes unconsciously violent and uncontrollable, and there 

 is therefore considerable danger to both the operator and the patient if the 

 latter has not been previously secured properly. 



A speciallv constructed chloroform inhaler is sometimes used (see Fig. 

 3), but the simplest method of administering chloroform to horses or cattle 

 is by inhalation from a sponge saturated with the drug. 



The sponge is placed over one nostril and kept in position by means 

 of a towel. The other nostril should be left free for the inhalation of 

 air. By restricting the amount of air so inhaled with the hand, the 

 inspiration of chlorofoTm through the other nostril can be increased. 



A varying amount of chloroform is required for different animals, 

 some horses becoming, insensible with 2 ounces, while others require 

 as much as half a pint. It is advisable, therefore, to give it gradually, 

 using about 2 ounces at first, and replenishing the sponge with half that 

 amount from time to time, until (in from 5 to 15 minutes) insensibility is 

 produced. This is best ascertained bv noting the reaction of the eye to 

 the" finger touch. The internal angle of the eye is most sensitive, and if, 

 when the haw is touched in this position, there is no winking, it may be 

 concluded that the anaesthesia is complete. The tail also becomes flaccid, 

 and there will be no sensibilitv to the prick of a pin or pen knife at other 

 parts of the body. 



While the animal is under the influence of chloroform, the pulse should 

 be noted to be full and strong, and the breathing deep and slow. If 



