24 MANUAL OF POISONOUS PLANTS 



the prophylaxis is apparent. Whenever the disease makes its appear- 

 ance either in a stable or a pasture, the animals should be immediately removed 

 from further exposure by changing the food supply. The food should come, 

 preferably, from a clean, new source and the water should not be contaminated 

 by surface drainage. It is also well to thoroughly disinfect the mangers and 

 feed-boxes, and render inocuous the soiled litter. 



There is no known means of artificial protection, and the disease will recur 

 if the animals are again allowed access to spoiled food. (Stuhr). 



. . History. During the winter of 1908-1909, several cases of 



poisoning from spoiled silage were reported to Dr. Stange of 

 the Iowa State College. Other cases have no doubt been en- 

 countered. In every instance, as in the case reported by Dr. Beaumont, below, 

 moulds occurred in the silage. Dr. Beaumont says : "I am sending you under 

 separate cover by mail a specimen of corn silage upon which you will notice is 

 growing some form of mould which in my opinion is accountable for a very 

 peculiar disease, existing among a herd of young horses and mules belonging 

 to a farmer living here." 



Dr. R. E. Buchanan found these moulds occurring in spoiled silage to be a 

 species of Monascus. Other moulds, Mucor, Penicillwm glaucum, and Verticil- 

 Hum were also present; but there was a preponderance of Monascus. 



Symptoms. "The first animal, a three year old filly, was taken sick about 

 April 1st, showing symptoms as follows: Gaunt, depressed, stiffness of gait. 

 When lying was unable to rise, but when assisted to rise would stand and show 

 inclination to eat but was unable to masticate and swallow food. Temp. 103.5 

 F. Pulse 86, Respiration 36; friction sounds distinctly heard at each heart beat. 

 A whistling sound was emitted during expiration and there was also a 

 suppressed painful cough. Animal died in about five days. 



"A two-year-old mule and one two-year-old filly were attacked with disease. 

 The mule is improving and will recover but the two-year-old filly shows exactly 

 the same symptoms as Case No. 1, aside from being especially stiff and lame 

 in one fore shoulder, and I think will die within two days." 



Treatment. The treatment as followed by Dr. Beaumont is described in 

 detail in his paper before the Missouri Valley Veterinary Association, June 

 16-17, 1909. Briefly, the method was as follows: 



Tincture Strophanthus in two-dram doses, every two hours (given as a 

 cardiac stimulant, the heart action being very weak). 1 quart of raw linseed 

 oil given in two doses, six hours apart (as general laxative). Potasii Nitras 

 in half to one ounce doses, dissolved in water and given as a drench, every 

 three hours (alterative diuretic, and respiratory stimulant). After the first 

 twenty-four hours the Tr. Strophanthus was discontinued and he began giving 

 Iron Quinine and Strychnin tonic in one-ounce doses three times daily. This 

 was continued with the Potasii Nitras until the animal showed marked im- 

 provement when both remedies were discontinued and he prescribed Fowler's 

 Solution (Liquor Potasii Arsenitis) in half-ounce .doses three times daily 

 during convalescing stage of the disease which lasted about ten days or two 

 weeks. 



Dr. C. H. Stange has contributed the following on forage poisoning and 

 especially with reference to silage : 



"Numerous cases have been reported of an affection of the central nervous 

 system, the symptoms being in general quite similar but different and varying 



