NARCOTIC POISONS 



57 



growing it has been cut in mistake for comfrey and given to horses, with 

 fatal effect. The death of horses from digitalis is recorded by Mr. Pauer 

 of Exeter in the summer of 1896. In this case the animals were led by 

 natural instinct to refuse the plant while it was whole, but readily partook 

 of it when chopped and mixed with corn. 



Symptoms. — These are general stupor, swelling of the eyelids, dila- 

 tation of the pupil, enlargement under the jaw, dry mouth, and loss of 

 control over the hind extremities. 

 The pulse increases up to 60 or 70 

 beats per minute, but the heart 

 sounds become more or less in- 

 distinct, or one. becomes inaudible 

 or merged into the other. The 

 breathing is hurried and difficult. 

 There is swelling of the head and 

 tongue, which latter cannot be 

 ■contained in the mouth. In some 

 cases the body temperature rises 

 three or four degrees, while in 

 others it is normal. The visible 

 mucous membranes are red and 

 injected. Post-mortem examina- 

 tion shows the lungs to be filled 

 with dark venous blood, the right 

 auricle of the heart is also dis- 

 tended, and a gelatinous fluid fills 

 up the loose connective tissue 

 under the throat. The kidneys 

 are noticeably congested. 



Treatment. — In this disease 

 aconite is the most suitable physio- 

 logical antidote, as its action upon the heart is opposed to that of 

 digitalis. Alcoholic stimulants, as the aromatic spirit of ammonia, freely 

 diluted, are also recommended. 



Fig. 455.— Foxglove (Digitalis purpurea) 



NTJX VOMICA AND STRYCHNIA 



When horses are poisoned by strychnia it is either the result of 

 malicious administration, or brought about by an overdose, or by the 

 accidental admixture of some preparation with food, which was intended 

 for the destruction of rats and other vermin on infested premises. Horses 



