THE DIGESTIVE SYSTEM 41 



gathered and fed to pigs weighing from forty to 

 sixty pounds. The symptoms, although not univer- 

 sally the same in all cases, clearly indicated a 

 gastro-enteritis, which was verified by autopsy. 



Lesions. There is evidence of a marked gastro- 

 enteritis in animals dead of cocklebur poisoning, usually 

 involving the entire mucosa of the stomach and the 

 small intestine and not infrequently extending to the 

 mucous membrane of the large intestine. The involved 

 mucous membrane may slough, leaving large areas of 

 denuded surface. 



Symptoms. Increased thirst, colic pains, diarrhea, 

 weakness, paralysis, and death succeed one another 

 rather rapidly in fatal cases. In some instances the life 

 of the affected animal is prolonged for several days, 

 during which time there is rapid emaciation. 



Treatment. Treatment is not satisfactory. In the 

 early stages emetics may be of value, followed by purga- 

 tives and mucilaginous drinks. 



Atropa Belladonna (Deadly Nightshade) 



Deadly nightshade poisoning is not of frequent 

 occurrence, although it has been reported in sections of 

 the country where the plant grows. 



Lesions. The lesions are not characteristic. Animals 

 that die within a few hours will show no lesions at all, 

 except retention of the urine or a greatly distended 

 bladder; the blood may be somewhat darker than normal. 

 Those that are affected for one or more days will show a 

 gastro-intestinal inflammation. 



Symptoms. The first symptoms noticed are nausea, 

 followed by vomition, dryness of the mouth, more or 

 less excitement and convulsions, increased pulse and 

 respiration, dilated pupils, and partial blindness. The 

 duration of this period is short and is followed by paralysis. 

 The animals become weak, and stagger, the temperature 

 falls, respiration is' slow and weak, gradually becoming 

 shallower, the pulse is rapid and weak, and there is a 

 relaxation of the sphincter muscles. The affected 



