THE ADMINISTRATION OF ANAESTHETICS 43 



tongue averages about one-eighth of a minim for each pound 

 of body- weight (see Fig. 26). Subcutaneous injection of 

 ether is advised on account of its rapidity of absorption and 

 powerful action as a general and diffusible stimulant. Saline 

 solution (i ounce of sodium chloride to the pint of distilled 

 water) has certain action upon the blood-plasma which assists 

 the engorged and enfeebled heart to recover itself. It acts 

 more rapidly when heated to a temperature of from about 

 105° to 110° F. before being injected. 



Strychnine is used because it is a respiratory stimulant, 

 but its action is decidedly slower than that of hydrocyanic 

 acid, and besides that there is always the great risk of over- 

 dosage, as in order to get rapid antidotal action a full dose 

 must be given, and dogs and cats seem to have most peculiar 

 individual susceptibilities to this drug. 



With students as amateur anffisthetists we have had, in 

 the Free Out-patients' Clinic, many opportunities of trying 

 each of these different methods and agents, and the plan 

 which we have found to yield the best results has been to 

 immediately release from all restraint, clear the nostrils and 

 throat of mucus, draw the tongue well forward in a jerky 

 manner, apply artificial respiration by the second method 

 described, as quickly as possible place a few drops of Scheele's 

 hydrocyanic acid on the back of the tongue, and cautiously 

 apply ammonia vapour to the nostrils. 



Symptoms of Recovery, Bad Omens, etc. 



After respiration has actually ceased, the good signs to be 

 looked for when resuscitative measures are being adopted are : 



Recommencement of respiration, the efforts becoming 

 gradually more regular ; increase in force and regularity of 

 the heart's action ; side-to-side movements of the lower jaw 

 and voluntary retraction of the tongue ; moaning or yelping; 

 and movements of the head, ears, or limbs. 



