Elimination of Carbon Monoxide from the Blood of Acutely Poisoned Dogs

Abstract

All dogs were exposed to an atmosphere (otherwise normal) containing 0.3% CO. In 8 dogs exposed until respiratory movements ceased, the avg. CO-saturation (blood of foreleg vein) was 72.8% (range 62-79.5%). In 20 dogs removed from exposure after the appearance of the first gasp but which did not survive resuscitation, the avg. CO-saturation was 73.2% (range 60.5-88.3%). In 41 dogs which were successfully resuscitated after the appearance of the first gasp, the average CO-saturation was 74.3% (range 64-83%). The inhalation of a mixture of 7% CO2 and 93% O2 resulted in a somewhat faster elimination of CO than the inhalation of 100% O2. This difference in the rate of clearance was on no significance in determining the incidence of immediate survival or of complications after survival.