372. VEGETABLE DRUGS 



Pupil. — The pupil of the horse is widely dilated by large doses of 

 opium. The pupil in the dog occasionally remains unchanged, and often 

 dilated before undergoing contraction. Contraction of the pupil is a 

 characteristic physiological effect of large doses of opium in man and 

 the dog. In birds the pupil is unaffected. These various contradictory 

 phenomena are at present inexplicable. 



Dilatation, preceding death, occurs from depression of the centre. 



Kidneys and Metabolism. — The excretion of urea appears to be dim- 

 inished by opium in man, but varies greatly in animals. Temporary 

 retention of urine may follovr the administration of a considerable dose 

 of opium, owing to spasm of the bladder sphincter. The amount of 

 urine voided may be greater or less than normal; more commonly the 

 latter. Opium lessens the secretion of bile. 



The elimination of carbonic dioxide is diminished by the hypnotic 

 action of opium, but is increased if there is general excitement and 

 muscular activity following the use of the drug. Depressed respiration 

 and quiet will result in lessened oxidation and tissue waste. 



Secretions. — All the secretions except sweat are diminished by de- 

 pression of the secretory center by opium. Sweating is often increased 

 if opium is given in combination with heat externally. 



Skin. — Opium induces mild diaphoresis in man ; occasionally sweat- 

 ing occurs in horses, but not at all in dogs. 



Temperature. — The bodily temperature may be slightly increased by 

 large medicinal doses of opium, but is diminished by toxic quantities. 



Toxicology. — The symptoms of poisoning have already been suffi- 

 ciently described in previous sections. The treatment embraces irriga- 

 tion of the stomach, or the use of emetics, as apomorphine hydrochloride 

 under the skin, and the subcutaneous injection of strychnine, enemata 

 of hot, strong, black coffee, leading the animal about, slapping him, or 

 using the faradic current. Dr. Moor, of New York, found in potassium 

 permanganate the most efficient antidote for opium and morphine. Ten 

 to fifteen grains, dissolved in eight ounces of water, should be given 

 by the mouth, to large dogs. One to two drams of potassium perman- 

 ganate may be administered to horses in two or three pints of water. 

 Permanganate solution oxidizes and destroys morphine, and should be 

 acidulated with a little vinegar or diluted sulphuric acid, after the in- 

 gestion of morphine salts. The antidote has been recommended to be 

 given subcutaneously after absorption, or hypodermic injection of mor- 

 phine, but this is not of the slightest use. 



Morphine Contrasted ivith Opium. — -Opium is more constipating, 

 more sudorific, and more apt to disturb the digestion than morphine. 

 Morphine is more anodyne and soporific; more readily absorbed and 

 more suitable for use hypodermically. 



, Synergists.— 'BtM^Atmna. aids the action of opium and yet is antago- 

 nistic to it. It. assists' opium in its anodyne action and lessens nausea, 



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