Ether. Chloroform. +-------------------------------+----------------------------- | More diffusible. | Less diffusible; vapor | | heavier. +-------------------------------+----------------------------- | Inflammable and explosive. | Not inflammable, but vapor | | decomposes when exposed to a | | light and causes irritation | | and some times death. +-------------------------------+----------------------------- | Stimulant to heart, except | Depresses powerfully the | in enormous quantities. | heart respiratory and | | vaso-motor centers in large | | doses. +-------------------------------+----------------------------- | Irritating (due to exclusion | Less irritating (on account | of air), may induce | of more air being required | bronchitis and nephritis. | for dilution.) +-------------------------------+----------------------------- | Respiratory centers not | Three to five times more | so easily or suddenly | dangerous (deaths) than | depressed as by chloroform. | ether. +-------------------------------+----------------------------- | Larger quantities required. | Smaller quantities required. +-------------------------------+----------------------------- | Less rapid. | Acts quickly. +-------------------------------+----------------------------- | More expensive. | Cheaper. +-------------------------------+----------------------------- | Kills by respiratory failure. | Death from respiratory | | failure, combined with | | cardiac depression. +-------------------------------+----------------------------- Consequently you can see considering both drugs to be properly administered, all the advantages are in favor of chloroform except safety. Ether is to be preferred for dogs, cats and other small animals. Chloroform is especially dangerous for dogs, though horses stand it exceptionally well and it is preferable to ether in large animals. The safety with which chloroform may be administered to large animals frequently makes veterinarians careless; that is, they “force” the drug; they do not allow sufficient air for dilution, and though the patients may not die from the immediate effects of the drug their existence may be terminated in a few days from pneumonia or broncho-pneumonia (mechanical), due to the irritating effects of the drug. ANAESTHESIA.--It is best to cast the large animals; after complete anaesthesia remove the hobbles. For dogs make a cone of a towel and paper, put a sponge in the bottom, allowing a small opening in the end to admit air; pour in ether a little at a time.