52 HEALTH AND DISEASE 



with oxalic acid, while those alkaline bicarbonates recommended for 

 poisoning by other acids are forbidden because combining to form soluble 

 oxalates, which are little less injurious than oxalic acid. 



Oleaginous aperients and alcoholic stimulants to counteract symptoms 

 of collapse are desirable. Friction, bandaging, and clothing to keep up the 

 superficial circulation should be resorted to. 



ACETIC ACID 



Concentrated lotions containing a large proportion of this acid have 

 been given in error, with poisonous results. 



Symptoms. — Unless somewhat dilute, the symptoms are those of 

 corrosive acids (p. 46), when colicky pains, inflammation of the tongue 

 and buccal membranes, sore lips and gums are manifested, and occasion 

 inajjpetence and refusal of food, and discharge of saliva from the mouth. 



Treatment. — Solutions of alkaline bicarbonates should be given inter- 

 nally, and a soothing wash of glycerine, myrrh, and borax applied to the 

 mouth three or four times a day. 



CAUSTIC ALKALIES 



Of these ammonia, in the form of strong liquid, given in mistake for 

 aromatic spirit or solution of acetate, is the only likely form of poisoning 

 to occur in horses. This mistake has frequently happened in the careless 

 dispensing of ammonia compounds. 



Symptoms. — Blistered lips and mouth, patches of epithelium slough- 

 ing off in ragged shreds. Ropy and offensive mucus dribbling from the 

 mouth and from the lips, and hanging in ropes more or less straw-coloured 

 or tinged with blood, swelling of the tongue, sore throat, difficulty of 

 deglutition, coughing, and dyspnoea. Intestinal disturbance with loose 

 eructations and apparent soreness throughout the canal. Pained expression 

 and listlessness. 



Treatment. — Copious draughts of dilute vegetable acids, as lime- 

 juice, citric or tartaric acid, vinegar and water. These should be given at 

 frequent intervals to neutralize the caustic ammonia, and form harmless 

 combinations. Inhalation of steam to relieve the irritated air-passages and 

 soothe the inflamed mouth; where suffocation threatens, tracheotomy will 

 require to be performed. Linseed -tea, barley-water, thin gruel, bran 

 mashes, and soft food only for several days should be allowed, as any dry, 

 hard substance is calculated to injure the abraded surfaces of the mouth. 

 Where the patient refuses all sloppy food, he may be cautiously drenched 



