THE ADMINISTRATION OF ANAESTHETICS 



31 



a short time before anesthetizing, or to administer either 

 ammoniacal or alcoholic stimulants. In fact, from observa- 

 tions made in order to test this point, the author is inclined 

 to consider that when morphia and atropine (or either) are 

 previously used, the result is rather to increase than diminish 

 the risk. 



Method of Fixing- the Patient.— The object in fixing must 

 be to place the animal in such a manner, first, that the 

 organs contained in the thorax are allowed 

 full play, and, secondly, that relief from 

 restraint can be effected at a moment's 

 notice. These points arc very important, and, 

 in fact, absolutely essential. 



The safest position is undoubtedly that 

 which is described in the chapter on 

 methods of securing as the ' abdominal ' 

 one, the patient being anaesthetized in 

 this position, and afterwards turned about 

 as required to suit the convenience of the 

 operator. 



If the animal is merelj' held in the arms 

 of an assistant, care must be taken not to 

 compress the chest in an}' w a)- nor hinder 

 the breathing during the stage of struggling 

 which usually precedes anaesthesia. 



Methods of Administration, Apparatus, 

 etc. — There are two chief methods of administering general 

 anaesthetics. One is known as the ' open ' method, and the 

 other ' administration by the aid of an inhaler.' 



For the open method, the best and safest results can be 

 attained b}' the aid of an ordinary wire muzzle, a thin duster, 

 and a drop - bottle ; or, in place of the duster, a piece of 

 thin flannel or calico ma}' be previously sewn around that 

 part of the patient's muzzle which covers the nostrils and 

 lips. 



Fig. 19. — Drop- 

 .bottle for the Ad- 

 ministration of a 

 General Ana;s- 

 thetic. 



