212 SYNOPSIS OF VETERINARY 



atropine is indicated, or nitro-glycerin would be best and one of 

 the quickest; maintain the recumbent position when possible. 

 Apply warmth externally. 



Synergists. — All the agents of this group (motor. depress- 

 ants) increase the effects of aconite, cold, fatigue, and all depress- 

 ing influences are synergistic. 



Physiological Actions. — The taste is bitter, acrid and pun- 

 gent, a small quantity causes a sensation of numbness and per- 

 sistent tingling of the tongue and lips ; Full medicinal doses cause 

 a sense of constriction of the fauces, irritation of the gastro- 

 intestinal mucous membrane with increased secretion, sometimes 

 nausea and vomiting (in those that can vomit) and a peculiar 

 clicking sound due probably to spasm of the epiglottis, severe 

 pains in joints and muscles, always more or less salivation, dia- 

 phoresis and diuresis, reduced respiratory power, decreased car- 

 diac rate and force, lowered arterial tension and temperature. 



A Toxic Dose. — One and one-half drachm of the tincture 

 (equal to about 5 i. aconite root) is gnen as the minimum fatal 

 dose for the horse, J / 2 drachm will occasionally cause very serious 

 symptoms and where an idiocyncrasy exists as little as fifteen 

 minims will cause, toxic symptoms. 



Produces great muscular weakness,- dimness of sight ; pupil 

 at first may be dilated or contracted, but as the end approaches 

 remains diiated ; shallow irregular and labored respiration, a slow 

 small and weak pulse, becoming rapid and imperceptible near the 

 end. Gulping, frothy saliva, flatulence, belching, retching, nau- 

 sea, etc. There is often a peculiar clicking sound made from the 

 constant attempts at swallowing. 



Coldness of surface, clammy sweat, anxious countenance, 

 extreme weakness of extremities, (animal goes down) lowering 

 of temperature 2 to 3 degrees, abolishment of sensation, reflexes 

 and motility and finally death from paralysis of the heart and 

 respiration, with or without convulsions, consciousness being 

 preserved until near the end, when carbon dioxide- narcosis sets in. 



Post-mortem shows shrunken lungs containing but little 

 blood ; trachea and bronchi contain much frothy mucus ; right 

 side of heart greatly distended with blood while left side is almost 

 empty ; ecchymotic spots are found in the lungs, pleura and 

 endocardium. Digestive organs do not appear seriously affected. 



