PRACTICAL ANESTHESIA 287 



experienced and careful person without much danger. It 

 is commonly the most suitable anaesthetic for the horse, 

 for the following reasons : It is less expensive ; whereas 

 several pouuds of costly ether are required to produce 

 anaesthesia, a few ounces of chloroform will accomplish the 

 same result. Chloroform inhalation is much easier of 

 administration, more rapid, and causes less struggling. It 

 may be used without auy special inhaler, and may be given 

 to animals in the upright position. 



Chloroform may be employed for all animals during 

 parturition, as it is less dangerous in this condition and 

 because only enough is needed to produce relaxation of 

 parts to relieve pain, to assist dilatation of the os and 

 manual operations done to rectify faulty position of the 

 foetus. 



Chloroform is indicated in all cases where the actual 

 cautery is used in the neighborhood of the mouth. Ether 

 is the most suitable anaesthetic for cats and dogs, unless the 

 animal is suffering from bronchitis, emphysema or asthma, 

 when chloroform is more appropriate. Chloroform, being 

 more rapid and less irritating, may in any case be employed 

 to begin anaesthesia, which should then be maintained by 

 ether. 



PRACTICAL ANESTHESIA. 



The horse should be starved for twelve hours, and 

 should receive a cathartic twenty-four hours before anaes- 

 thetization, in order to afford more room for the respiratory 

 movements and prevent accidents in casting. A specially 

 constructed inhaler, or nose bag, strapped about the head, 

 may be employed for convenience. Harger recommends 

 placing a sponge wrapped loosely in flannel, in the upper 

 nostril, as the animal lies upon his side upon the ground, 

 and after a few minutes a similar sponge is introduced into 

 the lower nostril. 



Chloroform is then administered frequently in drop 

 doses from a bottle having a cork nicked upon the side 



