Coma] 



47 [Coma 



half if injected under skin. If this cannot be 

 done, give an enema of milk and brandy, or 

 strong black coffee. If body very cold, put hot- 

 water bottles round it. 



Coma: 



Sy7iiptoms: Entire loss of consciousness, heavy 

 breathing, pupils dilated, etc. This condition may 

 result from injuries to head ; sometimes follows a 

 severe attack of epilepsy, apoplexy, and it is the 

 last stage previous to death of many illnesses. 



Treatment : This entirely depends on the 

 cause. If as the result of epilepsy, the patient 

 is best left quite alone for many hours ; if the 

 body becomes cold, hot-water bottle may be 

 placed under it and also to the back. After 

 some time, if there are no signs of return to 

 consciousness, the body and limbs may be well 

 hand-rubbed, and brandy injected subcutaneously. 

 If the result of injuries to head, should the skull 

 be fractured an operation may be necessary ; but 

 if there is simply concussion of the brain, you 

 must give the animal time — the condition may 

 last three or four days, and yet the dog may 

 recover. Besides quietness, there is not much 

 to do. Should the dog be very restless, apply 

 an ice-bag to head ; and to maintain strength 

 give about every four hours an enema of 

 peptonised milk, from one tablespoonful to 

 a cupful, 1 or one or two meat suppositories. 

 When coma is the result of the last stage 

 of illness, there is little to be done. The 

 inhalation of oxygen may be tried ; brandy or 

 1 According to the size of the dog. See p. 86. 



