The Effect of Inorganic Salts on the Chemical Changes in the Blood of the Dog after Obstruction of the Duodenum

The chemical changes in the blood of dogs treated with various inorganic salts after obstruction of the duodenum are reported. Two dogs treated with sodium chloride survived approximately six times as long as the average untreated animal, one living 22 days, the other 24 days. Ammonium chloride was found to produce an acidosis. The administration of potassium chloride, calcium chloride, and magnesium chloride did not prevent the usual rise in non-protein nitrogen and fall in chlorides, and the fatal outcome. Iodides seemingly hasten the toxic process. Sodium bromide appears to have an inhibitory action upon it, but much less than that of sodium chloride. Sodium sulfate, magnesium sulfate, sodium citrate, monosodium phosphate, and disodium phosphate failed to alter the course of the intoxication. Atropine and pilocarpine were without therapeutic value in preventing the changes characteristic of intestinal obstruction.