40 CANINE AND FELINE SURGERY. 



Hydrocyanic acid is of especial value because it not only 

 stimulates the respiratory centre to recommence if once it has 

 ceased, but if given in full medicinal doses it maintains the 

 efforts until they are able to look after themselves, and at the 

 same time, by the deep inspirations produced, it causes the 

 entrance of a large amount of fresh air into the system. Its 

 effects, too, on the heart-beats is beneficial. The dose recom- 

 mended, of Scheele's strength, to be placed on the tongue 

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

 weight {see Fig. i8). Subcutaneous injection of ether is advised 

 on account of its rapidity of absorption and powerful action as 

 a general and diffusible stimulant. Saline solution (one ounce 

 of salt 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 overdosage, 

 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. 



In the Clinique we have had 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 the 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 gradu- 

 ally more regular ; increase in force and regularity of the heart's 



