306 INOEGANIC AGENTS 



of chloroform, and held at first three inches from the 

 animal's nose, in order that the vapor should be thoroughly 

 diluted with air. From half a drachm to a drachm of 

 chloroform should be added from time to time, always 

 allowing plenty of air, and inhalation may be continued for 

 an hour with comparative safety. 



The ansesthetizer should give his whole attention to the 

 work, and watch carefully the respiration, pulse and pupil, 

 for any sign of danger. If any arise, the anaesthetic should 

 be removed and treatment pursued as recommended in the 

 previous section. 



Dogs should be fasted for twelve hours before etheriza- 

 tion, in order to avoid vomiting during anaesthesia.* It is 

 necessary to muzzle dogs before anaesthesia is begun. This 

 may be done by tying a strong tape about the nose, bringing 

 both ends up between the ears, over the top of the head, 

 and then tying them together in a knot, and finally carrying 

 the ends down, one on either side of the neck, and fastening 

 them underneath. A wire muzzle may be used to control 

 the dog more conveniently, and the ether is then poured 

 upon a sponge within the muzzle and the muzzle is covered 

 with cloth to keep out the air. More recently the writer 

 has found the following method and appliance most suitable 

 for dogs and small animals. A thin metal cone open at 

 both ends (rolled over to present smooth edges) and taper- 

 ing — to fit the general outline of an animal's nose — is used. 

 Inside this is a second cone made of coarse wire mesh, and 

 between the two are placed several layers of gauze or 

 towelling. Ether is given by the drop method. That is, a 

 wedge-shaped piece is cut from the cork of the ether bottle 

 or can, and a little piece of gauze is laid in this, which acts 

 like a wick and allows a continual dropping when the bottle 

 is inverted. This is the safest method and requires the 

 least ether. The cone may be held in place by a strap over 

 the back of the head. 



Dogs may also be anaesthetized by placing them in a 

 covered pail, tight box or barrel, or by driving them into 



* Prom 4^ to 2 grains of morphine, according to the size of the patient, 

 should be given subcutaneously 10 minutes before ether is administered. 



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