. 50 ANESTHESIA IN THE STANDING POSITION. 



from drowning, viz.. repeated rhythmical traction on the tongue 

 (lingual traction) at intervals of two to four seconds. The theory' 

 is that the superior laryngeal nerve and respiratory centre are thus 

 stimulated, and in man remarkable effects have been produced, 

 more than one person having recovered after apparent respiratory 

 arrest extending over an hour. A small apparatus worked by elec- 

 tricity has been made to carry out the process. 



Impending Cardiac Syncope is indicated by irregularity of the 

 pulse, widely dilated pupil, weak heart's action, cessation of 

 haemorrhage, or the escape of a few drops of dark-coloured blood 

 from the seat of incision. The head should immediately be lowered 

 as far as possible, artificial respiration commenced, cold water dashed 

 on the head, the chest wall smartly slapped, and if time permit, 

 subcutaneous injections of sulphate of strychnine or ether should 

 be given. Cardiac syncope may also be combated by intermittent 

 pressure on the heart region, at the rate of 120 to 140 times per 

 minute, or by the intravenous injection of warm normal salt solution. 

 Hobday recommends small doses of prussic acid. Rosenberger 

 believes that in man heart failure is due to stimulation of the vagus, 

 owing to irritation of the respiratory mucous membrane by the 

 chloroform vapour ; he recommends previously painting the 

 membrane with, cocaine solution. The precaution is unnecessary 

 in horses. In proof of the irritation produced, however, one may 

 often note in well-bred horses certain symptoms of sore throat, 

 such as coughing, etc., during the few days next succeeding the 

 operation. Recovery usually occurs without treatment. 



Administration in the standing position. 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 ropes, or the employment of an operating 

 table is almost unavoidable. This, of course, is a drawback, especially 

 when an operating table is not available, and if general anaesthesia 

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

 a great convenience. In the country, where a field or paddock is 

 convenient, horses may be anaesthetised in the standing position 

 bv the use, preferably, of Cox's muzzle. The animal is held by a 

 strong head collar, or halter with a long shank, a sponge charged 

 with one to one and a half ounces of chloroform is placed in the 

 inhaler, and the horse is led slowly in a circle until he sinks to the 

 ground, when his legs can be secured with hobbles or ropes. Violent 

 struggling is exceptional and there is little danger of spinal 

 injury. 



