CAFFEINE 399 



Caffeinse 



Sodii bensoinatis aa gr.xv. 



Aquse V\x\v. ' 



M. 



S. Give one-half, under the skin, to horse. 



The soluble citrate may be given internally, but it is 

 not a definite or reliable preparation, and inferior to caffeine, 

 which may be administered in solution with a little citric 

 acid, or as above. 



Uses. — Three indications for the use of eaffenie may be 

 deduced from our knowledge of its physiological action. 

 1. To stimulate the brain. 2. To stimulate the heart. 

 3. To cause diuresis. 



1. Its application as a cerebral stimulant is very lim- 

 ited in veterinary medicine. It acts thus as an antidote to 

 opium poisoning. One and a half grains of caffeine will save 

 cats poisoned by the minimum fatal dose (gr. If) of mor- 

 phine. 



2. . Caffeine possesses particular value in the treatment 

 of dropsy of cardiac origin in dogs, because of- its diuretic 

 action, as well as stimulant effect upon the heart. The 

 therapeutic indications are much the same as for digitalis, 

 but caffeine differs from digitalis in the following particu- 

 lars: 



Does not prolong diastole. Is not , cumulative. 



Does not slow the heart. More transient in its effect. 



Nor regulate the heart. 



Caffeine, in combination with acetanilid and other 

 modern coal tar products, is useful in preventing their de- 

 pressing action upon the heart. Furthermore, caffeine, tea 

 and coffee are serviceable in the treatment of acute asthenic 

 diseases in the horse (inflvienza), dog (distemper), and in 

 foals and calves, acting as nervous and cardiac stimulants 

 and perhaps restraining tissue waste. 



3. Diuretic property of caffeine renders it appro- 

 priate in aiding the absorption of pleuritic effusion, ascites, 

 and dropsies, particularly of cardiac and renal origin, and 

 in the hepatic form as well. 



Digitized by Microsoft® 



