PARTIAL AX.ESTHESIA. 49 



Eight horses were given a mixture of equal parts chloroform and 

 ether. The average quantity used was 54 fluid drachms, and the time 

 interval 30 minutes. 



Needless to say the sample of chloroform used must be pure, and 

 should contain no free chlorine, which produces excessive irritation. 

 To prevent chloroform undergoing change by keeping, a little ether is 

 added to it and the liquid placed in yellow bottles with ground stoppers 

 and stored in a cool dark place. Another method consists in adding 

 I part in 1000 of sulphur which has previously been washed with 

 ammonia, and afterwards with water. 



Partial Anaesthesia by Chloroform. — As anaesthesia by 

 chloroform is generally preceded by a short excitation period, 

 during which the animals neigh, become uneasy, and often struggle 

 violently, casting by hobbles or on an operating table is an almost 

 unavoidable preliminary. This, of course, is a drawback, especially 

 when an operating table is not available, and if general anaes- 

 thesia could be carried out in the standing position it would prove 

 a great convenience. The writer frequently tested this method, 

 and for some time had such satisfactory results as almost to 

 convince him of its general practicability, but an attempt to chloro- 

 form a heavy cart-horse for shoeing was followed by such disas- 

 trous consequences, and so gravely endangered the operator's 

 own life, that he finally renounced the method for any but light 

 animals. Ponies, cobs, and light saddle and trap horses may be 

 anaesthetised in the standing position by the use, preferably, of 

 Cox's inhaler. A strong head collar or halter should be applied, 

 and the animal firmly secured, as greater danger is to be anticipated 

 from its becoming loose than from throwing itself down during 

 the preliminary period of anaesthesia. Administration should be 

 slow as excitement is thus best avoided. The writer has found 

 that many animals will stand quietly until the corneal reflex 

 becomes quite languid, and is almost abolished. This is the best 

 condition for shoeing troublesome horses. If cutting operations are in 

 question, anaesthesia must be pushed considerably beyond this stage, 

 and the animal will certainly fall, a result, however, which need be 

 productive of no inconvenience if a deep straw bed has previously been 

 provided. 



Apparatus. — Chloroform can be administered from a towel, 

 sponge, tampon of tow, or a linen compress, but in England Cox's or 

 Carlisle's muzzle is usually employed. Although the rapid method is 



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