THE COMPARATIVE VALUE OF SOME VASO-CONSTRICTORS. 
71 
in connection with Caesarian section.” In accordance with their 
observations, the authors are of the opinion that there is no doubt 
concerning the specific action of pituitrin upon the excitation of 
the uterus. Pituitrin is preferable to adrenalin because it does 
not increase the blood pressure as much. It is, therefore, an 
agent which increases the contractility of the uterus and repre¬ 
sents an excellent remedy for post-partum hemorrhage. The 
fact that the site of injection is not painful nor becomes infil¬ 
trated, as is sometimes the case after the injection of ergotin, is 
another great advantage. 
Dose for a horse is 15 to 30 cubic centimeters; dogs, 1 to 2 
cubic centimeters. 
Cotton Root Bark .—Cotton root bark may be used in the 
place of ergot, having very nearly the same action, but is said 
to be more oxytoxic. The dose of the fluid extract is the same 
as for ergot, one-half to one ounce for a mare and one dram for 
bitches. 
As a matter of fact, the treatment of hemorrhage must vary; 
first, with the condition of the patient; second, with the length 
of time during which the hemorrhage has existed, and, third, 
with the source from which the hemorrhage arises. While it is 
doubtless true that after a large quantity of blood is lost the body 
endeavors to keep the respiratory centre supplied with blood, it 
is also true that in the early stages of severe hemorrhage the 
rapid fall of blood pressure, with its accompanying syncope, may 
be considered an effort of nature to diminish pressure upon the 
bleeding point, in order that the flow may be less rapid and that 
opportunity may exist for the formation of a clot. After this 
primary effect there is an effort to raise blood pressure to supply 
the centers at the base of the brain, and the clot is relied upon to 
prevent further hemorrhage. It should, therefore, seem probable 
that in the early stages of a very free hemorrhage the use of 
vaso-dilators, like amyl nitrite or nitroglycerin might be advan¬ 
tageously used, whereas, after the patient has become consider¬ 
ably exsanguinated, their use is contraindicated. Certainly, their 
employment after hemorrhage had stopped, would be unwise. 
