ACTION OF ALCOHOL 219 



sugatr. It dilates peripheral vessels and equalizes the circulation. In 

 man one of its most potent effects is probably in acting as a narcotic and 

 quieting the nervous system. 



A high temperature does not contra-indicate its use, but it is not 

 desirable in the early stages of acute inflammatory disorders. Alcohol 

 is particularly serviceable in asthenic diseases — as purpura — and in con- 

 tinued fevers associated with much depression — as in puerperal and 

 other forms of septicemia. 



In fevers alcohol sometimes causes the heart to beat more slowly. 

 Whether this be due to stimulation of the inhibitory appairatus or invig- 

 oration, directly or indirectly, of the weakened organ, we do not know. 



The pulse, respiration and nervous system are our guides, and the 

 object is to bring ^Jie functions into a more normal condition. Alcohol 

 should therefore reduce the frequency of the pulse and respiration, when 

 they are too rapid, and should cause the animal to become quieter. If 

 these results are obtained, the use of the drug should be persisted in; 

 if otherwise, administration should be stopped. Small and repeated 

 doses are more appropriate in fever. 



Alcohol is one of the most rapidly effective agents at our command 

 in syncope and cardiac failures from various causes — as mild surgical 

 shock, severe hemorrhage, collapse, exhaustion, snake bite, and following 

 exposure to cold. In these conditions it should be given in the form of 

 spirits diluted with only an equal part of very hot watfer. It may act 

 in these cases by stimulating reflexly the medullary, cardiac and respira- 

 tory centres by its irritant action on the alimentary tract. From our 

 physiological data alcohol should not be of service in such conditions as a 

 stimulant. Its narcotic action in serving as a nervous sedative in lessen- 

 ing anxiety and pain and so offsetting the effects of shock — may account 

 in some measure for its worth. Thus morphine is one of the best drugs 

 to use in surgical shock — much better than alcohol. After exposure to 

 cold it is easy to explain the benefit derived from alcohol in its action 

 in dilating the peripheral vessels and directly antagonizing the results 

 of cold. Experiments on healthy animals regularly receiving moderate 

 doses of alcohol have proved that they are more susceptible to inoculation 

 with bacteria and toxins than controls. In disease, however, clinicians 

 greatly differ on this point. Experience in human medicine proves that 

 alcoholics are especially susceptible to the germs of pneumonia and ery- 

 sipelas. This accords with its harmful experimental action on the white 

 blood cells. 



Administration. — Veterinary practitioners are fortunately exempt 

 from any moral considerations in relation to their medicinal use of 

 alcohol. Rum, gin and whisky are more commonly employed than the 

 other alcoholic preparations, although diluted alcohol is practically as 

 valuable. Gin is indicated when a diuretic action is important. Brandy, 

 being more astringent, is given to dogs with diarrhea, and, combined with 

 cracked ice in small quantities, relieves vomiting. Sherry may also be 

 administered to dogs with advantage. The dose of the various alcoholic 

 liquids depends upon the quantity of alcohol contained in them. 



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