58 OPERATIVE TECHNIQUE. 



anaesthetic ; nevertheless, it renders some service, and in small doses is 

 devoid of danger. Opium or Indian hemp is, however, usually pre- 

 ferable. 



Methylene is inferior to chloroform, as are hypnone, urethane, 

 paraldehyde, and benzine. Inhalations of the latter substance 

 first produce excitement, in about ten minutes distinct dulness, and 

 later a quiet sleep, which can be prolonged by fresh inhalations. 



Anasthesia in Riiininants and Swine. 



Anaesthesia is seldom resorted to in ruminants or in the pig. 

 Tabourin and Saunier, who made a long series of experiments 

 with chloroform and ether, came to the following conclusions : — 



1. That in oxen, ether produced anaesthesia without difficulty. 



2. That the animals succumbed to its action more readily each time 

 anaesthesia was repeated. 3. That chloroform was so much more 

 energetic than ether as to warrant its entirely displacing the 

 latter, despite its higher price. Given by the mouth 12 to 18 fluid 

 drachms of chloroform only produced incomplete anasthesia. 



Frohner failed to obtain any anaesthetic action from doses of 

 10 drachms of chloral ; given by the mouth, 6 to 10 drachms pro- 

 duced unsteadiness of the hind quarters in fifteen minutes; 12 to iS 

 drachms, however, caused the animals to fall and lose consciousness 

 and sensation ; unconsciousness lasted three hours. Negotin recom- 

 mended this method and dose. 



Guinard found morphine useless in ruminants, and especially in 

 goats ; it failed to produce even a sedative effect. Goats are not 

 injured by 400 times the full dose for man. 



Malzew gave ten oxen chloroform in combination with morphine. 

 Two to three grains of morphine were subcutaneously injected, 

 and three to twelve minutes later chloroform was administered. In 

 seven cases anaesthesia commenced after the lapse of ten to forty 

 minutes, in three it could not be induced. From 4 to 19 fluid 

 drachms of chloroform were used. On return of consciousness 

 none of the oxen showed anything abnormal. Goats and sheep 

 are easily anaesthetised in five to ten minutes with 2^ to 5 fluid 

 drachms of chloroform. 



In general the above also applies to swine, and chloroform 

 would probably prove the best material ; Negotin found it harmless. 



Harms succeeded in abolishing sensibility to pin-pricks in ten 

 minutes by giving benzine vapour. Chloral hydrate is often given 

 to cows when calving, in order to dull labour pains ; complete 

 anaesthesia is, of course, unnecessary. 



