444 VEGETABLE DRUGS 



Uses. — Two therapeutic indications for the use of ergot can be di- 

 rectly deduced from its physiological actions: 1, to cause uterine con- 

 traction; 2, to produce vascular contraction. 



1. Ergot is occasionallj"- of service in simple uterine inertia in 

 bitches and cats, when there is no malposition of the fetus, or mechanical 

 obstruction (pelvic deformity, rigid os uteri) to its passage. Very small 

 doses must be given for this purpose in order to intensify the force of the 

 uterine contractions without inducing spasm of the uterus. Pituitrin has, 

 however, superseded ergot for this purpose. The more common causes 

 of dystocia are remedied most advantageously by manual interference. 

 Ergot is of chiefest value in obstetric practice, after expulsion of the 

 placenta, to prevent or arrest post-partum hemorrhage which sometimes 

 occurs in cows and ewes. If administered before delivery of the pla- 

 centa, ergot may give rise to 'tonic contraction of the womb and retention 

 of the afterbirth. 



Ergot is of benefit in some disorders of the unimpregnated and non- 

 parturient uterus. Thus to aid the expulsion of cysts, and to contract 

 the uterus and its blood vessels in hypertrophy, subinvolution, chronic* 

 metritis and fibroid tumors. Ergot is given as a routine treatment in 

 human medicine after delivery to hasten involution of the uterus, 3 times 

 daily for a week or 10 days. 



In paralysis of the bladder, ergot is occasionally useful by creating 

 contraction of the muscular coat of its walls. This condition is most 

 satisfactorily treated by the injection of an ordinary dose of ergotin into 

 the empty urinary bladder. 



2. Ergot is commonly recommended for combating internal hemor- 

 rhage, when surgical measures are impossible. Under this head may be 

 included bleeding from the nose, mouth, stomach, intestines, lungs, uterus 

 and kidneys. Ergot has been thought beneficial in causing constriction 

 of the blood vessels in the early stages of some hyperemias and inflam- 

 mations, notably pulmonary, cerebral and spinal congestion, parturient 

 apoplexy, cerebritis, cerebro-spinal meningitis, spinal meningitis and 

 myelitis. 



There are two physiological reasons for the uselessness of ergot in, 

 preventing internal hemorrhages and congestions in special organs : (a) 

 The fact that general blood pressure is augmented would favor hemor- 

 rhage from a ruptured vessel, (b) The fact that the blood vessels of the 

 brain and lungs are not supplied by vaso-constrictors to be stimulated by 

 ergot. The effect of the drug on these organs would therefore be to 

 cause vascular dilatation from increase of general blood tension. It is 

 only in uterine hemorrhage that ergot proves of much value owing to the 

 contraction of that organ. Ergot is recommended in surgical shock but 

 adrenalin, tyr.i ine, morphine, digitalone, camphor and strychnine are 

 more valuable. In dysentery, watery diarrhea, diabetes insipidus and 

 bleeding piles ergot is said to be of service but we believe it of doubtful 

 utility. 



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