40 CANINE AND FELINE SURGERY 



effective method of filling the thorax, but there is always 

 danger of rupturing some large abdominal vessel in fat 

 animals, and in the large and weightier breeds it cannot 

 always be managed. 



A fourth method, which sometimes brings success, is to 

 force air or stimulant vapour (such as that of amyl nitrite) 

 by means of a special form of bellows (Higginson's enema 

 syringe can be improvised for the purpose) up the nostrils, 

 and so into the lungs. This is done in a jerky manner, and 

 the air is then forced out again with a succession of short, 

 sharp compressions on the ribs. 



In practising any of these ways care must be exercised, as 

 rupture of the liver or mesenteric artery is an occasional 

 sequel to performing artificial respiration too energetically, 

 especially in fat and aged animals. 



Recovery will sometimes follow simple inversion or swing- 

 ing the animal round by the hind-legs, these acts being per- 

 formed with the idea of causing a flow of blood to the head 

 and thus relieving the over-congested heart. These methods 

 are, however, open to the objection that they tend to diminish 

 the capacity of the chest by throwing the weight of the 

 abdominal organs against the diaphragm. 



Cold affusions to the head and chest, and striking the body 

 with a wet cloth, are also recommended, but certainly must 

 not be trusted to alone. 



Tracheotomy is sometimes advisable, but in cases of this 

 kind, where whatever is done must be done immediately, this 

 operation is often a matter of difficulty, especially in the 

 smaller and long-haired breeds. 



Venesection has been practised, but cannot be relied on. 



The medicinal antidotes found to be of the most value 

 are : strong ammonia vapour, amyl nitrite, hydrocyanic acid 

 (Scheele's), and subcutaneous injections of ether, saline solu- 

 tion, or strychnine. 



Whatever antidote is chosen, it is obvious that the chances 



