lODOFOEM 251 



probably be accounted for by the decomposition of iodoform 

 on moist wounds, with the liberation of free iodine ; by its 

 absorption of exudates on which germs live ; and possibly 

 by neutralizing toxins. Iodoform is particularly useful in 

 septio and suppurating wounds. When applied over exten- 

 sive surfaces, absorption and poisoning may occur. The 

 symptoms of iodoform poisoning are most diverse. 



Symptoms of gastro-intestinal irritation are seen iu 

 poisoning in dogs, as vomiting and diarrhoea, together with 

 nervous symptoms, as convulsions, stupor and sleep. The 

 pulse may be very rapid or infrequent; the temperature 

 high or normal. Iodoform is iu part absorbed unchanged, 

 but the greater part is transformed into free iodine and 

 iodides in the body. The symptoms are the resultant of 

 the iodoform and iodine. The cerebral excitement is due to 

 iodoform, while rapid pulse may follow stimulation of the 

 thyroid by iodine. Iodine is eliminated in the urine in iodo- 

 form poisoning and can easily be discovered by the starch 

 test. General fatty degeneration of the internal organs is 

 found after death. The local dessicant effect of iodoform 

 on raw surfaces assists the antiseptic action, and the local 

 anaesthetic properties combine to make iodoform the best 

 antiseptic powder we possess, barring the odor. 



Action Internal. — The internal action of iodoform pos- 

 sesses no therapeutic value. Care must be observed to 

 prevent animals licking off iodoform from the surface of the 

 body. One drachm will poison a dog weighing ten pounds. 



Elimination. — Iodoform is eliminated in the form of 

 iodine and iodides by all the secretions, chiefly by the 

 urine as iodides. 



Uses External— lodioiorm. is of value applied over 

 suppurating and septic surfaces, sores, and ulcers, where 

 it hinders the" growth of bacteria, stimulates unhealthy 

 granulations, relieves pain, possibly neutralizes toxins, 

 and certainly produces a vile odor. For this reason one 

 of its substitutes should be employed when an antiseptic 

 powder is desirable for use upon dogs living in or about 

 dwellings. Iodoform is commonly employed in its purity. 

 It may be mixed in any proportion with boric acid, or with 

 tannic acid (1-8), for its astringent effect. It is valuable in 



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