296 INORGANIC AGENTS 



rapid, stimulating action is indicated, there is no better 

 agent to use than nitroglycerin. Absorption is so rapid 

 that hypodermic injection is needless. 



Nervous Diseases. — Nitrite of amyl is invaluable in ward- 

 ing off epileptic seizures in man, when warning of their 

 approach is given the patient. As this warning cannot be 

 detected in the lower animals, the nitrites are of less value, 

 but may be combined with the bromides as prophylactic 

 agents. The nitrites exert their favorable effect in this 

 condition by preventing cerebral vasomotor spasm, which 

 is thought to occur in epilepsy. 



Diseases of Urinary Organs. — Spirit of nitrous ether is 

 useful as a diuretic in carnivora, when the urine is concen- 

 trated and irritating to the bladder. It is also a valuable 

 remedy, for the same reason, in acute cystitis of all animals, 

 when it may be combined to advantage with potassium 

 citrate, or acetate and tincture of aconite. 



Summary. — We may summarize the therapeutical indi- 

 cations for the nitrites as follows : 



1. To dilate peripheral arterioles and equalize the 

 circulation in internal congestions. 



2. To stimulate the heart. 



3. To relieve spasm of vascular, nervous, or muscular 

 origin. 



4. To increase the secretion of urine. 

 Administration. — Sweet spirit of nitre is given by the 



mouth, diluted with water, and often combined with alco- 

 holic stimulants ( whiskey ), diarphoretics ( liq. ammon. 

 acetatis), diuretics (potassium nitrate), and bitters (quinine). 

 Amyl nitrite is administered usually by inhalation to 

 the larger animals, from a sponge ; or two or three drops 

 are given by inhalation from a bit of linen or cotton to the 

 smaller animals. It may be given internally on sugar to 

 the smaller animals, or in spirit to the larger patients. The 

 spiritus glonoini is the only preparation of nitroglycerin 

 in use. It may be dropped undiluted upon the tongue of 

 the conscious or unconscious animal. The tongue of the 



