DELPHINOSIS LATHYRISMUS 



45 



fourth of a grain. In the convulsive stage when there is impending failure of 

 respiration, inhalations of ammonia may be resorted to with good results. 



A feature of the treatment quite as important as the medication is the 

 care of the animals. Complete rest and freedom from excitement are very 

 essential since exercise or fright is likely to induce fatal spasms. 



Finally the danger from poisoning can be largely obviated by preventing 

 access to the young plant in the early spring. 



In ancient times, this disease was quite common, affecting 

 Lathyrisrnus. both man and the horse. It is very frequent today in Spain, 

 Italy, Russia, and India. 



Etiology, It is caused by eating bread made of flour derived from some 

 species of Lathyrus or Vetch (L. Cicera, L. Clymenum, or L. sativus), or, in 

 case of horses, by the consumption of Fodder Pea. The seeds of these species 

 contain a toxic substance formed without the action of bacteria. Man, the 

 horse and the pig are subject to this disease. 



Symptoms. In domestic animals, the symptoms are debility of the rear and 

 lower extremities, producing motor paralysis. In lower animals, the normal 

 functions of the larynx become impaired because of paralysis. 



Treatment. Change of fodder, providing good food, application of massage 

 and electric treatment. 



Fig. 12. Aconite {Aconitum uncina- 

 tum). Aconitism is caused by this and 

 other species of Aconitum. Charlotte M. 

 King. 



Fig. 13. Green Hellebore (.Veratrum 

 viride). Common Eastward. (U. S. Dept. 

 Agrl.). 



