408 KENNEL DISEASES. 
The occurrence of convulsions might be construed as positive evidence that 
the poison, having been absorbed, was beyond the influence of an emetic or 
lard, but while some of it must have left the stomach considerable might yet 
remain therein, and there still be work for those agents todo. Again, lard 
will have its beneficent effect even after the spasms have commenced ; and in 
one instance in which four grains of strychnia had been given a dog and lard 
administered after the convulsions had set in, he was up and about and ap- 
parently fully recovered in the course of thirty-five minutes. It follows, there- 
fore, that it would be a wise plan to try the lard even if so long a time had 
elapsed since strychnia was taken that any effect from it seemed scarcely 
possible. 
While it is being employed an assistant should be preparing the means to 
stop the spasms. For that purpose the hydrate of chloral must be given by 
injection, as advised in section devoted to the consideration of Convulsions ; 
and ether or chloroform also be administered if necessary. 
Tobacco is a resort in such emergencies, which is not appreciated as it 
deserves. It is a powerful emetic, also produces muscular relaxation in cases 
of spasms. Hence it may be considered one of the best antidotes for strychnia ; 
and should be perfectly safe when properly used. If the hydrate of chloral 
and ether or chloroform control the spasms, they may be of course relied on; 
but if they fail, as they are quite liable to do, — the convulsions returning as 
soon as their effects have passed off, — tobacco tea should be tried. Selecting 
a cigar of fairly good quality, one-half of it should be broken into half a tea- 
cupful of hot water, and boiled in the same for about five minutes. It should 
then be injected into the rectum, the entire quantity being administered if the 
suffering dog is of medium or large size breed, and one-half if he is of small 
breed or a toy. The hydrate of chloral should also be used at the same time ; 
and it may be put into the tobacco tea. If decided improvement should not 
occur in the course of half an hour, the same dose ought to be repeated. 
Strychnia, in poisonous doses, causes a rapid chilling of the body, hence 
the sufferers should be wrapped in hot blankets, and the heat in the same be 
kept up by means of water-bags, hot bricks, flatirons, or something of the 
sort. It leaves its victims prostrate, if not in a condition bordering on collapse, 
therefore whiskey, or brandy, and hot milk should be administered as restora- 
tives as soon as the convulsions have ceased and swallowing is possible; and 
thereafter for a time be given at frequent intervals. 
It is generally advised that the bromide of potassium be combined with 
the hydrate of chloral. There can be no objection to so doing, but the 
fact is plain that the value of potassium in such cases has in times past been 
greatly overestimated. As for injections of morphia into the intestine, also 
recommended by some authors, they are wholly unreliable in their action. 
Were morphia given hypodermically, it might, however, have an appreciable 
