INTENTIONAL POISONING. 409, 
effect; but at least eight or ten grains would be required to combat one grain 
of strychnia. 
From the employment of the nitrate of amyl much may be expected in 
strychnia poisoning, and indeed in almost every convulsive disorder; but it 
must be used cautiously, for it has a very powerfully depressing influence, 
which is even greater on dogs than on mankind. Inhalation is the form of 
administration. From three to five drops on a handkerchief is quite enough 
to use in ordinary cases in which the patients are of medium or large size 
breeds. It should be held close to the nose for about twenty seconds, and then 
be withdrawn. After about the same interval it may be returned, provided 
the heart does not beat violently. 
Before going further, a brief consideration of a few important facts bearing 
on emetics may be of materia] advantage to the reader. 
Sulphate of zinc, either alone or in the wine of ipecac, is one of the best 
emetics for general use. For largest breeds the dose is twenty grains in about 
two tablespoonfuls of water. If the wine of ipecac be added, the quantity of 
the latter should be one tablespoonful. 
Dogs of medium size might safely take the same doses, but it were best to 
reduce them about one-third ; while one-half would be right for pugs and the 
like, and one-fourth for toys. 
In the absence of special drugs and preparations, common mustard or table 
salt can be used. 
Of the former the dose is a teaspoonful in about a teacupful of warm water. 
The dose of salt is a tablespoonful. This also can be given in a teacupful 
of warm water; but an admirable vehicle is butter, sufficient of which should 
be used to hold together the essential quantity of salt. 
The foregoing doses are for the largest breeds, and ought to be reduced 
according to the size of the patient, as when the sulphate of zinc and ipecac 
are used. Failing to cause vomiting, they should be repeated at intervals of 
ten minutes until that effect has been produced. 
But dogs cannot swallow when in convulsions; and while. medicines may 
be put into the mouth, to trickle down the throat into the stomach, this is a 
-very slow process indeed, for only a little at a time can be safely administered ; 
and if the quantity of emetic to be given is large, as is the rule, it will be 
necessary to wait for an interval of freedom from the spasms, which is often 
a long time in coming. It is therefore far better, if possible, to introduce the 
medicine under the skin by means of a hypodermic syringe. Any physician 
can do this; and in case one is called, he should be requested to so administer 
the hydrochlorate of apomorphia. Vomiting will then be produced in from 
five to twenty minutes. But obviously it is best always to be provided against 
accidents, especially if the essential precautions are easy and inexpensive; 
therefore all owners of large kennels are advised to add hypodermic syringes. 
