ANESTHESIA 



625 



describe the methods of getting the shngs undei^ the horse, but by judicious 

 lifting and pulHng it can always be managed. The annexed engraving shows 

 where the slings are wanted, with breastplate and breeching to prevent the 



patient slipping out at either end. The chain is an "endless " one and does 

 not slack ; the relaxing of the slings was ahvays a difficulty with the old- 

 fashioned ones made with wooden pulleys and ropes 



ANAESTHESIA 



In addition to the mechanical contrivances already described for gaining 

 control over horses, we are able to practise both local and general anaesthesia. 

 Cocaine in solution, 2 to 4 per cent., is a most valuable agent for reducing 

 the sensibility of the eye and of mucous membranes generally, so that tumours 

 and foreign bodies may be removed without the additional pain of twitch 

 and gag and hobble. If injected under the skin by a proper instrument, it 

 so reduces the pain of firing that it can often be done without casting. 

 Ether spray is not favoured by veterinary practitioners because wounds so 

 treated are apt to slough or be very slow in healing. Chloroform alone is 

 found to suit horses better than the A.E.C.^ mixture so much favoured by 

 human surgeons. There is practically no danger in the use of it, as it is 

 found most difficult to kill a horse intentionally even by pi'olonged inhala- 

 tion of large quantities. There are several approved muzzles invented by 

 veterinary surgeons, but they are quite unnecessary, there being safe and 

 convenient methods of chloroforming without any of these appliances. 

 It is of course presumed that the horse is ali-eady cast in hobbles, for, if 

 not, a muzzle must of necessity be used. The animal's head being firmly 

 held by two assistants, one nostril is thoroughly lubricated with vaseline 

 inside and out, a sponge the size of an orange is saturated with chloroform 



^ Alcoliol, ether, and chloroform. 



